Silesian University of Technology at the centre of the cybersecurity debate
The CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM conference is behind us – the largest forum in Central and Eastern Europe devoted to cybersecurity issues. The event took place from the 15th to 16th of June 2026 in Katowice with the participation of the Silesian University of Technology.
CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM 2026 focused on the most important challenges related to the digital security of the state and the economy. Representatives of public administration, state institutions, bodies responsible for cybersecurity, companies related to this industry, as well as specialists in this field representing the Silesian University of Technology took part in the debates and expert sessions.
- With our presence, we emphasized that the Silesian University of Technology plays a leading role in cybersecurity education. Our stand is visited by people interested in expanding their competences in this field, which makes us very happy, because we fully agree with the opinion that, apart from systems, the most important role in cybersecurity is played by people – emphasized Dr Eng. Jarosław Homa, plenipotentiary of the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology for cybersecurity, deputy director of the Centre for Cybersecurity of the Silesian University of Technology.
The leading role of the Silesian University of Technology in the field of cybereducation has been noticed by the expert community. During the CYBERSEC Awards gala, the Silesian University of Technology received an award in the "Leader in Cybereducation" category. The title in this category was awarded for the first time and will be presented to individuals or institutions that make a special contribution to raising awareness of cyber threats. This is an appreciation of initiatives that are not related to the technical aspect of cybersecurity but show that educational activities are just as important as effective and secure systems.
On behalf of the Silesian University of Technology the award was received by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk.
You can read more about the award HERE.
During the two-day Forum, issues related to national and international cybersecurity laws and regulations, including NIS2 and KSC, were discussed, as well as topics related to the practical aspects of implementing cybersecurity solutions in the private and public sectors.
In a panel devoted to the science sector in times of change, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology mentioned that the University has prepared an action plan, appointed experts and is implementing a plan that will help implement the most important cybersecurity regulations at the University.
- We are obliged to introduce certain additional systems at the university, but also security measures such as two-level authorization. We are consistently implementing what has been written, explained the Rector. He announced that the Silesian University of Technology will face audits and employee training, which will be continuous, because with the next change in regulations and emerging cyber threats, the awareness of the academic community in this aspect must also increase.
Dr Eng. Adrian Kapczyński, coordinator of the “Cybersecurity” research sub-area at the Silesian University of Technology spoke about the need to expand competencies that will allow for maintaining safety when using technology.
- Tomorrow's education must be oriented towards the needs of the recipients of educational content - he said, emphasizing that simply conveying theoretical foundations to students and the academic community is not enough. – Teaching should take place inside and outside the classroom. We must use modern teaching methods and tools and, above all, not to be afraid to experiment. As a teacher and lecturer, I give myself the right to test various tools, make mistakes, seek opinions from other experts, and involve students in discussions so that we can share our opinions and learn to think critically about various issues related to modern technologies and artificial intelligence, - he added.
The topic of new technologies and the threats that may result from their use was also discussed in a panel with the participation of Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Niezgódka, director of the Centre for Technology and Computational Sciences of the Silesian University of Technology. The debate concerned, among other things, the development of quantum technologies.
On the second day of CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM, the scientific community met with the business community, discussing, among other things, cooperation that could serve the development of cybersecurity technologies.
Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Timofiejczuk Prof. SUT drew attention to the problem related to technology testing. – The stage of testing and preparing the technology can be long and expensive, making it difficult to find financing. Business supports the development of technology, provided that it quickly receives ready-made technology that can be implemented immediately, and this is not always possible. Each implementation is preceded by long tests. There is a need for business to understand this process, - she noted.
The implementation of dual-use technologies in the civilian and defence sectors is no exception, and cybersecurity technologies are subject to additional regulations and restrictions.
Vice Rector for Collaboration with Civic and Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. SUT also stressed that the role of scientists in building the technological potential of the region is important and should not be limited to giving opinions only.
- We can play a much broader role. Our Silesian University of Technology should be a natural partner for all cities in the implementation of cybersecurity technologies, which we have already successfully proven by preparing a cybersecurity strategy for the City of Gliwice, - he added.
Experts from the Silesian University of Technology discussed the issue with representatives of the most important cybersecurity institutions in the country, including NASK National Research Institute and the Cyberspace Defence Forces.
The organizer of CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM 2026 was the PTWP Group.
The co-hosts of CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM are the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, the City of Katowice and the Silesian Voivodeship.
fot. Martin Huć, Maciej Mutwil
