The Open University of Cyprus participated in and successfully supported the cybersecurity operation “Crossed Swords 2025”
The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) through its Cybersecurity and Telecommunications Research Laboratory (CTRL)., participated in and successfully supported one of the most advanced and realistic international Cybersecurity exercises, “Crossed Swords 2025.” The exercise took place in Tallinn, Estonia, from 3 to 7 November 2025.
The OUC delegation was led by the Rector and founder of CTRL, Professor Stavros Stavrou, who was accompanied by Laboratory researchers Mr. Savvas Theodoulou and Mr. Georgios Potamos. Within the framework of the exercise, the Open University of Cyprus and CTRL staffed the “Green Team,” providing a specialized component of the multi-domain Cyber Range developed by CTRL. Their contribution focused on simulating and supporting maritime situational awareness and cybersecurity processes — a capability critical for implementing realistic attack scenarios by the “Red Teams” attempting to manipulate the operational picture of maritime systems.
CTRL’s multi-domain Cyber Range, utilized over the past six years in national, European, and international Cybersecurity exercises, integrates and emulates ICT/ICS/OT functions, including AIS, GNSS, Radar, and other specialized systems.
Professor Stavros Stavrou, an expert in Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare, stated: “Our participation in Crossed Swords 2025 was a milestone. For the first time, a Cypriot university research team provided a fully operational and educationally realistic infrastructure to the exercise. It is a great honor for OUC and CTRL to contribute to a global event involving more than 40 countries. Cyber training must reflect real operational structures and needs, and the capabilities and expertise of CTRL directly support this requirement.”
Professor Stavrou also highlighted the importance of developing applied postgraduate programs in the fields of Cybersecurity, Security, and Defence, emphasizing the decisive role of practical training in preparing professionals to confront modern technological threats. Indicative examples include OUC’s postgraduate programs “Computer and Network Security” and “Security and Defence”, the latter offered jointly with the Hellenic Air Force Academy.
The official announcement of the CCDCOE is available at:
https://ccdcoe.org/news/2025/cyber-operations-exercise-crossed-swords-gets-underway-in-tallinn/ "