Shaping the Future of Cyber Defense at the Global Cybersecurity Camp

How can we prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals for a world where cyber threats know no borders? The Global Cybersecurity Camp (GCC) offers an answer: a platform where students from across the globe come together to build skills, exchange ideas, and forge connections. 

Niko Akatyev, Principal Consultant at Bitdefender, and a member of GCC’s organizing committee, shares his thoughts on the importance of GCC, Bitdefender’s involvement, and how global collaboration is shaping the future of cybersecurity. 

What is the GCC program and why is it important?

The Global Cybersecurity Camp (GCC) is an international initiative designed to foster collaboration among emerging cybersecurity professionals. It is inspired by successful national programs such as South Korea's "Best of the Best," Japan's "Security Camp," and Singapore's "Division Zero," expanding their concepts to a global scale. 

The idea is simple: bringing together students with diverse backgrounds creates innovative solutions and drives collaboration beyond expectations. GCC enables young cybersecurity talents to form lifelong connections, driving innovation and strengthening resilience against evolving threats. 

Today, GCC is an alliance of 11 countries and regions, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and now Romania. Each year, the program hosts a one-week event packed with training, workshops, group projects, and cultural exchanges. The results are transformative—alumni stay connected, return as trainers, and collaborate on projects long after the event. 

In an interconnected world, no single nation or company can address cyber threats alone. GCC emphasizes the importance of building a global network of cybersecurity professionals to tackle these challenges together. 

Why did Bitdefender choose to support GCC? 

Bitdefender’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity aligns naturally with GCC’s goals. The 2023 acquisition of Horangi Cyber Security, a key player in fostering cybersecurity talent in Asia, strengthened Bitdefender’s focus on talent development. Horangi’s history of supporting initiatives like South Korea’s “Best of the Best” highlighted the value of bridging the gap between technical and managerial professionals. 

This focus expanded globally with Bitdefender’s involvement in GCC. The company has long supported talent development in Romania through initiatives like the Bitdefender Programming Contest and DefCamp, one of Eastern Europe’s largest cybersecurity conferences. Joining GCC was a logical next step, connecting Romanian talent to this global initiative. 

In 2024, Bitdefender continued its collaboration with GCC at the Thailand event, paving the way for Romanian students to join the 2025 event in Taiwan. This milestone signifies GCC’s growth beyond its Asian roots, with Romania’s participation further enhancing global cooperation. 

How are students selected for GCC? 

With a growing reputation over the past six years, GCC has become highly competitive. Each country and region is allocated a limited number of slots to maintain an intimate setting that encourages meaningful connections. 

Participants are selected through a rigorous process that evaluates technical expertise and their potential to contribute to the cybersecurity industry on national and international levels. 

What do you hope the students will gain from this experience? 

GCC provides students with an immersive environment for intensive learning, networking, and cross-cultural exchange. Participants gain leadership skills and a global perspective, which are crucial for tackling today’s complex cybersecurity challenges. 

While GCC cannot teach everything in just one week, it offers transformative experiences that inspire collaboration and problem-solving. Many alumni describe GCC as a pivotal moment in their careers, reshaping their approach to cybersecurity. 

What is the long-term impact of GCC and Bitdefender’s role? 

The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by digitalization and increasing cyber threats. However, effective solutions require more than just technology—they demand skilled professionals with the right mindset and collaborative spirit. 

Bitdefender’s involvement in GCC reflects its mission to nurture global cybersecurity leaders. The company supports initiatives that foster talent development, from research partnerships to academic collaborations. GCC embodies this commitment by empowering future leaders to combine technical expertise with innovative thinking and cross-border cooperation. 

For example, at the latest GCC, participants worked on real-world challenges presented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Thai Royal Police. These problem statements inspired innovative solutions and laid the foundation for continued collaboration across borders. 

In the long term, Bitdefender envisions a more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem where professionals from diverse backgrounds work together seamlessly. By supporting GCC, Bitdefender strengthens its role as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation, contributing to a collaborative environment for growth and development.