Tallinn: The Open University of Cyprus (OUC), through its Cybersecurity and Telecommunications Research Laboratory (CTRL), participated in the international cybersecurity exercise ‘Crossed Swords 2025.’ The event was held in Tallinn, Estonia, from November 3 to 7, 2025.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the OUC delegation was led by Professor Stavros Stavrou, Rector and founder of CTRL, alongside researchers Mr. Savvas Theodoulou and Mr. Georgios Potamos. During the exercise, the OUC and CTRL were part of the ‘Green Team,’ which focused on simulating maritime situational awareness and cybersecurity processes. This capability was critical for the ‘Red Teams’ that aimed to manipulate the operational picture of maritime systems.
CTRL’s multi-domain Cyber Range has been a vital tool in national, European, and international cybersecurity exercises for the past six years. It integrates and emulates ICT/ICS/OT functions, such as AIS, GNSS, and Radar systems.
Professor Stavros Stavrou described their participation as a milestone, noting that it was the first time a Cypriot university research team provided such an infrastructure to the exercise. He emphasized the importance of realistic cyber training that reflects operational structures and needs, which is supported by CTRL’s expertise.
Professor Stavrou also stressed the importance of developing applied postgraduate programs in Cybersecurity, Security, and Defence. He highlighted OUC’s programs, such as ‘Computer and Network Security’ and ‘Security and Defence,’ the latter offered in collaboration with the Hellenic Air Force Academy.