Project Global Universities (PGU)
CSIRT.global Launches to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Higher Education
[April 17, 2025] — CSIRT.global, a non-profit, volunteer-led cybersecurity initiative, is proud to announce the launch of Project Global Universities (PGU) — a pioneering international research program designed to identify and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities within academic institutions worldwide.
Universities have increasingly become high-value targets for cyberattacks. The consequences, from operational disruptions to compromised sensitive data, are severe and far-reaching. A recent incident at Eindhoven University of Technology underscored the urgency of proactive cybersecurity in the education sector.
In response, CSIRT.global — sister organization to the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) — has initiated PGU to enhance digital resilience in universities through ethical hacking, advanced vulnerability research, and collaborative mitigation strategies.
A Mission for a Safer Academic Future
CSIRT.global brings together a global network of ethical hackers, security researchers, and incident response experts to conduct large-scale vulnerability analyses and support public-interest cybersecurity. PGU aligns with this mission by:
Identifying digital vulnerabilities in university systems.
Preventing cyber incidents through proactive scanning and reporting.
Advising universities on practical security improvements.
Fostering collaboration through bug bounty programs and knowledge sharing.
A Research-Driven Approach
PGU is structured around a detailed, multi-phase research initiative:
Training & Certification: Student researchers complete the DIVD Academy research training.
Reconnaissance & Scanning: Universities’ digital infrastructures are analyzed using sophisticated tools and methodologies.
Reporting & Remediation: Each institution receives a technical report with identified vulnerabilities, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations.
Follow-Up Support: CSIRT.global assists universities in implementing security improvements and preventing future breaches.
Scalable & Measurable Impact
The project begins with Dutch universities and will expand to European and global institutions, addressing over 50,000 universities worldwide. The scalable model and structured methodology ensure measurable progress with real-world impact.
Internship Program for the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts
PGU also functions as an internship program via DIVD.works for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Over a 20-week period, students gain hands-on experience in ethical hacking, vulnerability research, and real-time incident prevention, while making a meaningful contribution to global digital security.