Ucom and Microsoft Innovation Center Help School Students Build Cybersecurity Skills

With the support of Ucom, certificates of completion were awarded to the first group of participants of the “Cybersecurity Educational Program for School Students” initiative, implemented by Microsoft Innovation Center Armenia.

The initiative, designed for school students aged 14–17, aims to develop fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity, enhance digital literacy, and encourage safe and responsible behavior in the digital environment.

With the guidance of experienced specialists from Microsoft Innovation Center, the students learned about the key principles of cybersecurity, modern digital threats, and ways to protect themselves against them. They also gained practical skills that will help them navigate the everyday digital environment with greater confidence — from protecting personal data to communicating safely online.

“For Ucom, it is important to support initiatives that equip young people with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for a safer digital future. Today, children and teenagers become active participants in the digital world from a very early age. Our task is to help them be not only active in this environment, but also protected, aware, and responsible,” said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.

“At Microsoft Innovation Center, we have come to firmly believe that cybersecurity should be accessible and understandable to every young person, not only to those who may choose this field as their future profession. When safe digital behavior is shaped from school age, young people use technologies with greater confidence and responsibility. Developing this mindset is one of the most important outcomes of initiatives like this,” said Mari Barseghyan, Director of Microsoft Innovation Center.

During the graduation event, the results of the program’s first group were presented, the participants shared their impressions and experience, after which the certificate award ceremony took place.

The initiative is ongoing, and after the completion of courses for two more study groups, a Mini-CTF (Capture The Flag) cybersecurity competition will be organized with the support of Ucom. The competition will bring together all of the program’s nearly 70 participants, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical environment.