Cybersecurity Training Course Launched in Latakia
A free, specialized training course in cybersecurity officially launched this Thursday in Latakia. The program is being hosted at the headquarters of the Syrian Computer Society in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation as part of the ‘Employable Skills’ project. The initiative aims to support 40 trainees, consisting of final-year engineering students and recent graduates, with the goal of equipping the local job market with qualified technical professionals.
Fadi Akkari, the project assistant for the coastal region, explained that this training program is an extension of an initiative that began in Syria at the start of 2024. The program initially launched in Damascus before expanding its activities to Tartus, Salamiyah, and now Latakia. According to Akkari, the curriculum is rooted in a model that originated in Portugal in 2021. It provides a comprehensive training path designed to guide participants from start to finish, enabling them to secure employment through local software companies or by pursuing freelance opportunities with international firms.
Hazar Ismail, head of the administrative committee at the Syrian Computer Society’s Latakia branch, emphasized that the organization is leveraging its technical expertise to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical market requirements. She highlighted that cybersecurity and fiber optic maintenance are currently among the most sought-after specializations in the industry. Ismail noted that all participants will undergo practical assessments as part of their final project, after which they will receive certificates endorsed by the Society to enhance their professional prospects.
Trainer Fadel Morshed added that the training curriculum covers foundational concepts, including network and server administration, and advances to ethical hacking skills. This training enables participants to identify security vulnerabilities and produce the technical reports necessary for ‘Red Team’ operations, which are essential for addressing the rising threat of cyberattacks.
Participants also shared their perspectives on the program’s value. Shahd Assad, a telecommunications engineering student, described the training as a vital gateway for developing future-ready skills. Meanwhile, Zulfiqar Al-Kara, a graduate in marine mechanical engineering, expressed that the course opens up new and diverse professional horizons.
The Aga Khan Development Network, founded in 1967, operates in over 30 countries worldwide. This initiative in Latakia is part of an expansion plan intended to reach other Syrian governorates by 2027. It reflects the organization’s commitment to implementing new development projects in Syria valued at over 100 million euros throughout 2026 and 2027.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
