Last week, The Hague hosted the tenth edition of the International Cyber Security Summer School (ICSSS). More than fifty students and young professionals from seventeen different countries took part in an intensive six-day programme of lectures and challenges on current topics in cybersecurity. The annual programme is organised by the Dutch security cluster Security Delta (HSD), in cooperation with partners such as Europol, the NCI Agency, academic institutions and numerous cybersecurity companies. Its aim is to attract and develop the cyber talent of the future.
This anniversary edition featured a rich and multidisciplinary programme. Participants attended interactive sessions and tackled a wide range of challenges provided by Leiden University, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Cyber Resilience Centre Greenport, Watchmen and aXite Security Tools. Topics included cyber risk and threat management, post-quantum cryptography, the differences between IT and OT, the responsible use of AI, the human factor in cybersecurity, and hybrid warfare.
“ICSSS 2025 was a truly unique opportunity to connect with leading practitioners and discover new opportunities in the field" - ICSSS 2025 participant.
In a video message, Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, welcomed the participants. He underlined the importance of (digital) security and expressed his pride that The Hague – as the international city of peace, justice and security – is able to contribute to the development of cyber talent.
The field of cybersecurity is broad and diverse. This was also reflected in the participants: in addition to their international backgrounds, their fields of study and work ranged from technology and policy to law and business. This diversity ensured that everyone had something to learn – and something to contribute – within the programme.
The HR event at the HSD Campus provided the opportunity for the new generation of cyber talent to connect with professionals from the field and explore possibilities for their (future) careers.
Joris den Bruinen, General Director of Security Delta (HSD), said: “In order to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the physical and digital security of our society, collaboration is essential. There is a shortage of new talent to meet the growing demand. As part of our national Human Capital Agenda, we are therefore delighted to work closely with our partners to support this through the Summer School.”
To mark the tenth anniversary, a special magazine has been published. It reflects on a decade of knowledge-sharing, collaboration and inspiration. Through photos, stories and personal experiences, the highlights of the past ten years are brought to life, while also looking ahead to future editions. The magazine not only serves as a lasting reminder of previous editions, but also showcases the development and growth of this unique programme.
The Summer School is organised by Security Delta (HSD). This year’s edition was delivered in cooperation with Europol, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), Scenarios4summits, Booz Allen Hamilton, Watchmen, Group-IB Europe B.V., The Hague University of Applied Sciences, NSCR, Leiden University, the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Leiden University of Applied Sciences, TNO, KPN N.V., the Municipality of The Hague, aXite Security Tools, Connect2Trust, Platform for Information Security (PvIB) and DIVD Academy. These organisations opened their doors to the students, enabling them to further develop their expertise and providing in-depth sessions throughout the programme.
