The world is becoming a more dangerous place, especially where company data and system integrity are concerned. Globally, data breaches cost organizations an average of $4.45 million in 2023, and business owners should not expect good news when the 2024 figures are made available.

The increasing threats of ransomware and phishing, two of the most prevalent threats, have motivated many businesses to increase their focus on cybersecurity. The result is increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. For those thinking about a career in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, learning more about the best cybersecurity certifications is essential.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Certification Landscape

As the sophistication of cyberattacks grows, so does the demand for IT professionals with certifications or degrees. Prospective employers need to know that the staff they onboard will add value to the organization. One of the ways these employers can enjoy peace of mind is by knowing that their employees are up to date with the latest developments in the cybersecurity field.

Put simply, a certificate validates the skills and knowledge of the holder. That can make all the difference when it comes to professional development. However, that certification must be provided by a recognized and accredited education provider. Finding the best cybersecurity certification can be a daunting task due to the wealth of options. Making the right decision is essential.

Identifying the Best Certifications for Cybersecurity

CyberSeek research has revealed that only 72 cybersecurity professionals are available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs (from September 2022 to August 2023). That means that demand for certified professionals is at an all-time high.

Given the opportunities in the cybersecurity field, it is no surprise that the field of certification is extremely competitive. However, as with most educational offerings, there are good certifications, and there are great certifications.

What factors should the prospective student take into account when making their choice?

  • Industry recognition. A great supplier of cybersecurity certifications will usually showcase the companies that recognize their certifications as world-class. It’s a sure sign that they can deliver exceptional career opportunities.
  • Real-world experience. The best cybersecurity certifications will include coursework that combines the theoretical with the practical. Look for certifications that have components offering students experience with real-world challenges.
  • Accreditation. Ensure that the cybersecurity certification provider is accredited by a leading qualifications body. An example is accreditation as an Online Higher Education institution by regulatory bodies like the MFHEA (under the European Qualification Framework).
  • Flexibility. It is more and more common for certification courses to be offered over the internet. These courses allow the student to study when and where they want.
  • Scope of offerings. The cybersecurity field is complex, so make sure that the cybersecurity certification you choose has coursework that applies to your vision for professional growth.

Whether you opt for a consulting role, a specialization, or see yourself as a future board member choosing the best cybersecurity certification is vital.

Exploring the Best Cybersecurity Certificate Programs

Choose your program carefully. Although most cybersecurity jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, many hiring managers will focus on candidates who add value through top cybersecurity certifications that complement their existing qualifications.

1. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

For those starting on their cybersecurity journey, the cybersecurity certification from Google is an attractive option. The certification focuses on on-demand skills, and you can complete your studies in around six months. During the flexible course, students will learn about the importance of cybersecurity practices and how those practices impact organizations.

This foundational certification is ideal for those seeking a career as a cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, or security analyst.

2. CompTIA Security+

This certification is ideal for students looking to build foundational skills for almost any cybersecurity role. It provides companies with a validation that the certificate holder is able to monitor and secure mobile and cloud applications and the Internet of Things (IoT) environments. The best cybersecurity certificates also ensure students understand the laws and regulations related to risk and compliance.

This certification can be the foundation of a career as a systems administrator, security engineer, IT auditor, or cloud engineer (among others).

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

For professionals who want to take their cybersecurity skills and careers to new heights, the CISSP certification ticks all the right boxes. It underlines the applicant’s experience in IT security and their skills in developing, implementing, and monitoring a state-of-the-art cybersecurity program.

Students will require five years of cumulative work experience and a four-year degree in computer science – part-time work or paid internships count towards work experience.

This certification will open up opportunities as a chief information security officer, a security administrator, or a top-flight security consultant.

There are numerous programs for motivated professionals interested in either launching or furthering a career in cybersecurity, but a recognized certification from an accredited and trusted education provider is the key to success.

OPIT’s MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity: A Unique Opportunity

OPIT’s postgraduate MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity will take between a year and 18 months to complete. Courses are delivered online, allowing students to learn when and where they prefer.

This certification is designed to align with the four most important foundational industry certifications: CISSP, CISM, CRISC, and CEH.

The program provides employers with a certified professional skilled in both technical and managerial roles, fulfilling an urgent need for multidisciplinary cybersecurity resources. The coursework combines core theoretical concepts, real-world application, and soft skills, dovetailing neatly with the strategic needs of the modern organization.

The Master’s from OPIT is the best cybersecurity certification for IT professionals interested in a career as:

  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Security Solutions Architect
  • Cybersecurity Manager/Director
  • Cybersecurity Risk Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
  • Incident Response Manager
  • Cloud Security Manager

The Advantage of a Comprehensive Education With OPIT

The business world, and especially the world of cybersecurity, is complex and fast-evolving. Businesses require employees with an education aligned with the needs of the industry to cope with the ever-accelerating rate of change.

The best cybersecurity certifications, such as the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity from OPIT, provide a mix of technical and management skills aligned with industry demands and standards for a holistic educational approach. This allows graduates to deepen their understanding of the challenges of cybersecurity issues and how they impact business strategy and day-to-day operations.

Elevate Your Career With OPIT

The cybersecurity environment is complex. Employers want to know that their IT professionals can deal with complexity. This makes getting the best cybersecurity certification essential.

The reputation and accreditation of the certificate provider are essential, but keep your chosen career path in mind. Make sure that the certificate coursework combines theory and practical cybersecurity experience. The OPIT MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity provides professionals with a unique career-focused advantage by integrating certification preparation with accessible, specialized education.

The result is a well-rounded, expert employee who is intimately familiar with the evolving challenges of cybersecurity, and that is the secret of success.

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The 10 Things That We Should Reflect Upon for 2026
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Jan 19, 2026 6 min read

2025 has come to a close, with 2026 already underway. There are many exciting events ahead and future milestones to aim for and look forward to. But it’s also the ideal time to look back over the last 12 months, exploring the most notable achievements we’ve made, lessons we’ve learned, and important moments to reflect on as the new year continues for OPIT’s staff, students, and broader community.

1. Student Commitment

Studying isn’t always easy. It involves long days, and even long evenings sometimes, with a seemingly never-ending series of tasks to accomplish and goals to aim for. It can take a lot out of even the most hard-working and dedicated individuals.

Yet, despite the hardships and challenges, OPIT students demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuous curiosity, and indefatigable determination throughout 2025. Looking back on the year, students at all levels of the OPIT community should feel proud and celebrate their accomplishments.

2. Podcast Launch

2025 saw a lot of new arrivals at OPIT, with fresh projects and innovations arriving on the scene. Chief among them was the OPIT EDGE Podcast, an exciting addition to the institute’s ever-expanding multimedia offerings.

There have already been several episodes of the podcast for students and technology enthusiasts in general to enjoy, with the first episode of this student-driven project involving an in-depth discussion with industry expert Matteo Zangani on the potential of quantum AI technology.

3. Success Stories

While many new students have joined the OPIT ranks in 2025 and will also do so in 2026, others have now achieved their educational objectives and are already moving on to the next exciting steps and chapters in their personal and professional lives.

There are so many inspiring success stories from the last 12 months, it’s impossible to list them all. But just one notable example has to be Maria Brilaki, who recently concluded her Master’s in Responsible AI, defending a powerful thesis related to non-invasive glucose monitoring through near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning.

4. Graduation in Malta

2025 was a big year of firsts for OPIT, including the institute’s first official graduation ceremony, which took place on March 8 at a grand ceremony in Malta, honoring the achievements of dozens of applied data science and AI graduates.

The hybrid event was open to both in-person and virtual attendees, bringing together members of the OPIT community from across the world. It was a huge moment for the graduates themselves and a thrilling milestone for OPI – a testament to all the hard work that has gone into building this institute.

5. OPIT AI Copilot

Artificial intelligence is the technology of the moment, and OPIT isn’t just dedicated to teaching the next-generation of technology leaders how to work with AI responsibly and efficiently; it’s also interested in harnessing the powers and potential of AI to improve its educational offerings, too.

This culminated in the development and release of OPIT AI Copilot in 2025. This groundbreaking AI tool now provides real-time, personalized learning support, along with contextual assistance, and is available on a round-the-clock basis for students to turn to, as and when they feel the need.

6. Hackathons

2025 also saw OPIT students and faculty take more active roles in various events, including hackathons. In November, for example, OPIT got involved with the 6th edition of the ESCP Hackathon, with several students entering as developers.

This was an exciting and unique opportunity for those students to meet up in person, put the skills they’ve honed during their time at OPIT to the test in a challenging environment, and learn from one another. OPIT will surely participate in more hackathons in the years to come, so stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and how you can play your part.

7. Strengthening Collaboration

From day one, OPIT has focused on building a strong network of established technology and business partners, opening doors and providing opportunities for both education and employment for its students.

This continued throughout 2025, with OPIT strengthening its connections with a number of world-leading organizations, including Accenture, AWS, Hype, Buffetti, and more. Through events like hackathons, career fairs, and more, OPIT makes the most of its ever-expanding and increasingly impressive professional network.

8. Online Career Fair

Another big first for 2025 was the inaugural OPIT Online Career Fair, an event that was held on November 19 and 20, with more than a dozen established and emerging companies from around the world in attendance, including the likes of Deloitte, Tinexta Cyber, Datapizza, RWS Group, Planet Farms, and Nesperia Group.

The only nature of this event ensured that students all enjoyed equal access, no matter where they were based, and everyone was able to hear from industry experts and enjoy the unique array of opportunities on offer, forging their own connections and learning more about brands they might like to work with or for in the future.

9. Education Innovation

OPIT has always been about innovating, delivering newer and smarter ways to learn for students across the globe, no matter their background, budget, or social class. And the institute has continually innovated over the course of 2025, helping students learn skills and broaden their knowledge efficiently and intuitively.

As we enter 2026, OPIT’s innovation is set to be on full display once more, with no less than two new courses for new applicants to choose from: AI-Driven Software Development (Elective) and Business Intelligence and Decision Making (Elective).

10. The Power of the OPIT Community

Perhaps the crowning achievement for OPIT in 2025 was the demonstrable success of not just individual students or faculty members, but the entire OPIT community, as a whole. Everyone, from alumni to new students and seasoned staff members, played their part in the institute’s success, paving the way for more great things and major milestones in 2026 and beyond.

As OPIT Rector and former Italian Minister of Education, Francesco Profumo, puts it:

“What inspires me most is the mindset of our students: forward-looking, responsible, and driven by a desire not just to succeed, but to contribute. Their dedication reminds us why education remains one of the most powerful forces for shaping the future.”

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The Value of Hackathons
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Jan 5, 2026 6 min read

Bring talented tech experts together, set them a challenge, and give them a deadline. Then, let them loose and watch the magic happen. That, in a nutshell, is what hackathons are all about. They’re proven to be among the most productive tech events when it comes to solving problems and accelerating innovation.

What Is a Hackathon?

Put simply, a hackathon is a short-term event – often lasting just a couple of days, or sometimes even only a matter of hours – where tech experts come together to solve a specific problem or come up with ideas based on a central theme or topic. As an example, teams might be tasked with discovering a new way to use AI in marketing or to create an app aimed at improving student life.

The term combines the words “hack” and “marathon,” due to how participants (hackers or programmers) are encouraged to work around-the-clock to create a prototype, proof-of-concept, or new solution. It’s similar to how marathon runners are encouraged to keep running, putting their skills and endurance to the test in a race to the finish line.

The Benefits of Hackathons

Hackathons provide value both for the companies that organize them and the people who take part. Companies can use them to quickly discover new ideas or overcome challenges, for example, while participants can enjoy testing their skills, innovating, networking, and working either alone or as part of a larger team.

Benefits for Companies and Sponsors

Many of the world’s biggest brands have come to rely on hackathons as ways to drive innovation and uncover new products, services, and opportunities. Meta, for example, the brand behind Facebook, has organized dozens of hackathons, some of which have led to the development of well-known Facebook features, like the “Like” button. Here’s how hackathons help companies:

  • Accelerate Innovation: In fast-moving fields like technology, companies can’t always afford to spend months or years working on new products or features. They need to be able to solve problems quickly, and hackathons create the necessary conditions to deliver rapid success.
  • Employee Development: Leading companies like Meta have started to use annual hackathons as a way to not only test their workforce’s skills but to give employees opportunities to push themselves and broaden their skill sets.
  • Internal Networking: Hackathons also double up as networking events. They give employees from different teams, departments, or branches the chance to work with and learn from one another. This, in turn, can promote or reinforce team-oriented work cultures.
  • Talent Spotting: Talents sometimes go unnoticed, but hackathons give your workforce’s hidden gems a chance to shine. They’re terrific opportunities to see who your best problem solvers and most creative thinkers at.
  • Improving Reputation: Organizing regular hackathons helps set companies apart from their competitors, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and their willingness to embrace new ideas. If you want your brand to seem more forward-thinking and innovative, embracing hackathons is a great way to go about it.

Benefits for Participants

The hackers, developers, students, engineers, and other people who take part in hackathons arguably enjoy even bigger and better benefits than the businesses behind them. These events are often invaluable when it comes to upskilling, networking, and growing, both personally and professionally. Here are some of the main benefits for participants, explained:

  • Learning and Improvement: Hackathons are golden opportunities for participants to gain knowledge and skills. They essentially force people to work together, sharing ideas, contributing to the collective, and pushing their own boundaries in pursuit of a common goal.
  • Networking: While some hackathons are purely internal, others bring together different teams or groups of people from different schools, businesses, and places around the world. This can be wonderful for forming connections with like-minded individuals.
  • Sense of Pride: Everyone feels a sense of pride after accomplishing a project or achieving a goal, but this often comes at the end of weeks or months of effort. With hackathons, participants can enjoy that same satisfying feeling after just a few hours or a couple of days of hard work.
  • Testing Oneself: A hackathon is an amazing chance to put one’s skills to the test and see what one is truly capable of when given a set goal to aim for and a deadline to meet. Many participants are surprised to see how well they respond to these conditions.
  • Boosting Skills: Hackathons provide the necessary conditions to hone and improve a range of core soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, organization, and punctuality. By the end, participants often emerge with more confidence in their abilities.

Hackathons at OPIT

The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) understands the unique value of hackathons and has played its part in sponsoring these kinds of events in the past. OPIT was one of the sponsors behind ESCPHackathon 6, for example, which involved 120 students given AI-related tasks, with mentorship and guidance from senior professionals and developers from established brands along the way.

Marco Fediuc, one of the participants, summed up the mood in his comments:

“The hackathon was a truly rewarding experience. I had the pleasure of meeting OPIT classmates and staff and getting to know them better, the chance to collaborate with brilliant minds, and the opportunity to take part in an exciting and fun event.

“Participating turned out to be very useful because I had the chance to work in a fast-paced, competitive environment, and it taught me what it means to stay calm and perform under pressure… To prospective Computer Science students, should a similar opportunity arise, I can clearly say: Don’t underestimate yourselves!”

The new year will also see the arrival of OPIT Hackathon 2026, giving more students the chance to test their skills, broaden their networks, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that these events never fail to deliver. This event is scheduled to be held February 13-15, 2026, and is open to all OPIT Bachelor’s and Master’s students, along with recent graduates. Interested parties have until February 1 to register.

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