About Our Academy
Discover the people and mission behind Cyprus's premier cyber security training institution.
Our Mission
At CyberShield Academy, we're on a mission to build a safer digital future for Cyprus and beyond through exceptional cyber security education.
We believe that effective security education combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Our programs bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world application, preparing security professionals who can make an immediate impact.
In an increasingly complex threat landscape, we're committed to evolving our curriculum continuously to address emerging challenges and technologies, ensuring our graduates are always equipped with relevant, cutting-edge skills.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do at CyberShield Academy.
Integrity
We believe in honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to integrity shapes how we teach, how we conduct business, and how we engage with our community.
Innovation
The cyber landscape evolves constantly, and so do we. We're committed to pioneering approaches in security education, embracing new technologies, and preparing our students for challenges that don't yet exist.
Community
We believe in the power of a connected security community. By fostering collaboration among students, alumni, and industry professionals, we create a network that strengthens Cyprus's overall security posture.
Our Journey
The story of how CyberShield Academy grew to become Cyprus's leading cyber security education provider.
The Foundation
CyberShield Academy was founded by Nikolaos Christodoulou and Eleni Papadopoulos, two cyber security experts who recognized the growing need for specialized training in Cyprus. The academy began with a single course and 12 students.
Expansion & Recognition
Following strong demand, we expanded our curriculum to three comprehensive courses and moved to a larger facility in Nicosia. Our programs received recognition from the Cyprus Computer Society and several international security organizations.
Digital Transformation
We launched our hybrid learning model, combining in-person instruction with advanced online platforms. This innovation allowed us to reach students across Cyprus and made our programs more accessible while maintaining their rigorous standards.
Leading the Way
Today, CyberShield Academy is recognized as Cyprus's premier cyber security training institution, with over 2,500 graduates, a team of 15 expert instructors, and partnerships with leading technology companies. We continue to evolve our programs to address the most critical security challenges facing organizations.
Meet Our Team
Our expert instructors bring decades of combined experience from government, private sector, and academic backgrounds.
Nikolas Christovich
Founder & Lead Instructor
Nikolas founded CyberShield Academy after 15 years in security roles at the European Central Bank and multiple private sector organizations.
Yelena Pavolska
Co-Founder & Technical Director
With a Ph.D. in Computer Science and extensive experience in incident response, Yelena leads our advanced courses and research initiatives.
Tadzio Krasinski
Senior Instructor
A former ethical hacker and penetration tester, Tadzio brings practical experience and a unique perspective to our offensive security training.
Sofiyana Andrevska
Instructor & Compliance Expert
Sofiyana specializes in security compliance and governance, helping our students understand the regulatory aspects of cyber security.
Andrik Vasilianov
Instructor & Developer
With expertise in secure application development, Andrik bridges the gap between security and development in our specialized courses.
Malinka Constantinova
Curriculum Director
Malinka oversees our rigorous curriculum development process, ensuring our courses remain current and aligned with industry needs.
Trusted Cyber Security Education in Cyprus
CyberShield Academy stands as a beacon of excellence in specialized cyber security education across Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Founded by seasoned security professionals with decades of combined experience, our institution has grown to become the trusted partner for individuals and organizations seeking to build robust security capabilities.
What distinguishes our academy is our unwavering commitment to practical, hands-on training that reflects the real-world challenges security professionals face daily. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts, our curriculum immerses students in authentic security scenarios, allowing them to develop and test their skills in controlled environments that mirror actual threats.
Cyprus's strategic location has positioned it as a critical digital hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. This unique positioning brings significant opportunities but also complex security challenges. Our programs are specifically designed to address the regional threat landscape while adhering to international best practices and standards.
The academy's instructor team comprises active security practitioners who bring their current field experience directly to the classroom. This ensures our students learn not just historical security concepts but the evolving tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by modern threat actors.
Beyond technical skills, we emphasize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills essential for security professionals. Our graduates don't just know how to use security tools—they understand the underlying principles that enable them to adapt to new challenges as they emerge.
As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and impact, CyberShield Academy remains committed to advancing security education in Cyprus, helping build a more resilient digital ecosystem for businesses, government, and individuals throughout the region.
Ready to Join Our Community?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in cyber security.