ICSSS Marks 10 Years as The Hague's Cybersecurity Talent Hub

The International Cyber Security Summer School (ICSSS) has reached a special milestone: its tenth edition. Over the past decade, the summer school has developed into one of The Hague's flagship initiatives for international talent development in the field of cybersecurity. Marking the tenth edition, a special anniversary magazine was unveiled, capturing ten years of collaborations, knowledge-sharing, and community-building 

Ahead of Cybersecurity Week in The Hague, Joris den Bruinen, General Director of Security Delta (HSD), and Mira van Benthem, Programme Manager ICSSS, officially presented the first copy to Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development of the Municipality of The Hague. Europol, represented by Álvaro Azofra Martínez, was present as a founding partner to receive the magazine. Unfortunately, the other founding partners, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) (Michael Street and Dr. Konrad Wrona) and Leiden University (Prof. Dr. Bibi van den Berg), were unable to attend.

"The Hague is globally known as the city of peace and justice, and increasingly also of security. Cybersecurity plays an essential role in this. The International Cyber Security Summer School has been bringing together young talent from different countries and disciplines in The Hague for ten years. This not only strengthens the knowledge and network of the participants but also enhances The Hague's position as an international knowledge and innovation hub in the field of cybersecurity."-  Saskia Bruines

From modest experiment to flagship event  

Since 2015, Security Delta (HSD) and its partners have initiated and organised the International Cyber Security Summer School. Over the past decade, the six-day programme has evolved into a leading international event, welcoming over 500 participants from around the world. Through lectures, workshops, and real-life cases, they work closely with leading experts from government, industry, and academia.  

“The strength of ICSSS lies in its multidisciplinary approach. Participants experience the importance of collaboration and return to their studies or careers with a broader perspective. Ultimately, the broader cybersecurity ecosystem reaps the rewards.”  
— Joris den Bruinen  

Learning from multiple perspectives  

Cybersecurity is never solely a technical challenge; it also requires legal, governance, and strategic insights. That is why the Summer School addresses a wide range of themes – from quantum and operational technology (OT) to international cooperation and crisis management – and why participants work in multidisciplinary teams on cases provided by (inter)national partners.  

Since the very first edition ten years ago, participants have visited the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). A highlight of the week is the interactive simulation exercise, where students collaborate under pressure to tackle a realistic crisis scenario.  

“The future of cybersecurity is about connecting technology, geopolitics, and strategic insight. We need professionals with diverse backgrounds who can bridge the technical reality with strategic decision-making.” emphasised a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist working at NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

Preparing for future challenges  

The anniversary magazine not only reflects on a decade of collaboration with over thirty partners, but also looks ahead. Emerging technologies continue to challenge existing security approaches, while digital threats are becoming increasingly intertwined with geopolitical tensions and dependencies. These dynamics underscore the importance of continuous talent development and international cooperation in ensuring digital resilience for organisations and societies alike. 

About ICSSS  

ICSSS is an initiative of Security Delta (HSD) in collaboration with Europol, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), Leiden University, Booz Allen Hamilton, and many other cyber companies.

More information: https://summerschoolcybersecurity.org/   

Check out the anniversary magazine HERE