International Cyber Security Summer School 2026 Kicks Off in The Hague

More than 55 students and young professionals from 18 different countries are gathering in The Hague this week for the eleventh edition of the International Cyber Security Summer School (ICSSS). During the six-day programme, participants are exploring current cybersecurity challenges and working on practical, real-world challenges. The annual programme is organised by the national security cluster Security Delta (HSD), in collaboration with partners including Europol, the NCI Agency, knowledge institutions and numerous cybersecurity companies, with the aim of attracting and developing the cybersecurity talent of the future.

At the start of the Summer School on Sunday 16 August, participants were welcomed by Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, via a video message. He emphasised the importance of digital security and expressed his pride in The Hague’s role as an international city of peace, justice and security, as well as its contribution to developing the next generation of cyber talent.

From theory to practice

The ICSSS brings together young talent from a wide range of backgrounds. Participants come from fields including technology, law, policy and business. Throughout the week, they exchange knowledge and perspectives with one another and with cybersecurity experts on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital sovereignty, cybercrime and law, geopolitics and cyber diplomacy.

In addition to a range of expert sessions, participants also work on current cybersecurity challenges. HSD partners Booz Allen Hamilton, Cyberweerbaarheidscentrum Greenport, CFLW Cyber Strategies, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NL), Check Point and Merlon Security are providing a series of practical challenges. These focus on topics including strengthening the cyber resilience of SMEs within supply chains, tackling phishing, fake news and CEO fraud, building Europe’s next sovereign technology company, and improving OT security in industrial environments.

The HR Event, taking place on Wednesday 19 August at the HSD Campus, also focuses on connecting talent with the cybersecurity sector. Participants will have the opportunity to meet professionals from the field and learn more about different career paths and opportunities within the sector.

Diverse backgrounds

The cybersecurity field is broad and constantly evolving. This is also reflected in the diversity of the participants, who come from different countries and have backgrounds ranging from technology and policy to law and business. These different perspectives create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and allow participants not only to learn from others, but also to actively contribute their own knowledge and experience to the programme.

Joris den Bruinen, Managing Director of Security Delta (HSD): “Collaboration is essential to developing innovative solutions that contribute to the physical and digital security of our society. At the same time, we are seeing a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. Through our Human Capital Agenda, we therefore work closely with our partners to attract and develop new talent. The International Cyber Security Summer School is an important part of this effort.”

Investing in the next generation of cyber talent

The International Cyber Security Summer School is organised annually by Security Delta (HSD). The eleventh edition is taking place in collaboration with Europol, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), the Municipality of The Hague, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the Centre of Expertise Cyber Security, Leiden University, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NL), TNO, S2GRUPO, connect2trust, Elastic, Booz Allen Hamilton, Keypasco Europe B.V., Hunt & Hackett, Check Point Software, Cyberweerbaarheidscentrum Greenport, CFLW Cyber Strategies, Fox-IT, Merlon Security and Woman4Cyber Netherlands.

Through their contributions, these organisations give participants access to up-to-date knowledge, practical experience and professional networks. In doing so, the ICSSS provides a valuable meeting place for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and the organisations that will need their expertise in the future.