Solvay Business School Joins European Security and Defence College: A Strategic Partnership for Cybersecurity Leadership

The Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (SBS-EM) has recently strengthened its position in the cybersecurity education landscape by becoming a full member of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). Led by Professor Georges Ataya, this membership places SBS-EM at the forefront of shaping cybersecurity leadership within the European Union.

The ESDC, established in 2005, plays a crucial role in supporting the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) by delivering high-level education and training in security and defence. The College works to foster a shared understanding of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) among civilian and military personnel across the EU, helping to harmonise practices and disseminate strategic insights.

This partnership goes beyond Europe’s borders, promoting EU values and advancing best practices in security and defence worldwide. The ESDC operates as a collaborative network of civilian and military institutions, academies, universities, and other key stakeholders, offering a broad platform for knowledge exchange and cooperation in security policy.

Solvay’s Role in Enhancing Cybersecurity Education

Through its involvement in the ESDC network, Solvay Lifelong Learning has actively contributed to several initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity training. One notable initiative was the delivery of an educational module titled “Security Operations Center (SOC) as a Template,” organised in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (milCERT), and other key players in the field.

Over two days, this course offered participants an in-depth exploration of SOC governance, NIS2 compliance, and best practices in incident response, with insights from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Presentations by key figures, such as the Deputy Director of the Netherlands milCERT and the Moldovan National Cybersecurity Agency, enriched the program, offering real-world perspectives on cybersecurity management.

The second day featured a compelling session led by Taco Mulder, Topic Leader at Solvay Lifelong Learning, who addressed the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in SOC governance, with a focus on the public sector. The event closed with an exploration of SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) systems, demonstrating how these advanced tools enable organizations to streamline their response to cyber-attacks and security incidents.

Looking Ahead: New Initiatives on the Horizon

Building on this momentum, Solvay Lifelong Learning is preparing to launch a comprehensive CISO course in early 2025. This new programme will be tailored for members of the ESDC and will provide cutting-edge training for cybersecurity professionals tasked with protecting Europe’s critical infrastructures.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration as SBS-EM continues to shape the future of cybersecurity education in Europe and beyond.