Irene Marinelli’s Post

According to the latest European Commission's #DigitalDecade targets report, by 2030 the EU will not: 🚨 Ensure that 80% of citizens aged 16-74 have at least basic digital skills 🚨 Secure 20 million tech experts (expected to be 12) 🚨 Have 75% of its companies adopting cloud, big data, and #AI (at the current pace, it'll be 64%, 50, & 17%) That’s no way to become #aDigitalPowerhouse, but we have the recipe to fix it. It starts with a D and ends with an S: digital skills! Here are some of our solutions highlighted in our latest #TheDownload: 🔜 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺: Implement a voluntary European Skills Passport to help cross-border job seekers ⏱ 𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺: Make digital #skills compulsory in school curricula and upgrade digital infrastructure in schools ⏳ 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺: Deliver on the Cybersecurity Skills Academy ambitions to help close the cybersecurity specialists gap (it's close to 1 million) Swipe ➡️ below to read all about it! Have any questions? Reach out to Vincenzo Renda & Martina Piazza. Want to learn even more? Check out ARISA - AI Skills (Wiktoria Orłowska) & CyberHubs - European Network of Cybersecurity Skills Hubs (Irene Marinelli)

📰 IT News Roundup (September 8, 2024) 🇬🇧🔧 1. **The Register**: "UK Government Invests £100 Million in Digital Skills Programme" - In an effort to address the growing skills gap in the tech industry, the UK government has announced a £100 million investment in a digital skills programme. This initiative aims to provide training and resources for individuals to develop essential tech skills needed for the modern workforce. 💻🇬🇧 2. **Ars Technica**: "UK's Data Protection Authority Launches Consultation on AI Regulations" - The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has begun a consultation process to gather public input on upcoming AI regulations. This initiative aims to address concerns around data privacy and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in various sectors. 📜🤖 3. **BBC**: "UK Retail Sector Shifts Towards AI-Powered Stock Management" - UK retailers are increasingly adopting AI technologies for inventory management. By utilizing AI algorithms, these retailers can predict demand more accurately, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency in their supply chains. 🛒📈 4. **The Register**: "Startups in the UK Are Innovating in the Space Tech Sector" - A new wave of startups in the UK is focusing on space technology, developing solutions for satellite communications, earth observation, and more. These innovations underscore the growing importance of the UK in the global space race. 🚀🌌 5. **Ars Technica**: "UK's National Cyber Strategy to Include Enhanced Education Initiatives" - The UK is revamping its National Cyber Strategy to emphasize education and training initiatives aimed at building a more robust cybersecurity workforce. This update is part of a broader effort to strengthen national security and resilience against cyber threats. 🛡️📚 6. **BBC**: "New Report Shows Increased Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals in the UK" - A recent report indicates a significant rise in demand for cybersecurity professionals across the UK. As businesses face constant threats, the need for skilled workers in this field is more critical than ever. 🔐👩💻 7. **The Register**: "UK Tech Companies Seeking Talent Beyond Borders" - With ongoing skills shortages, many UK tech companies are actively seeking talent from abroad to fill key positions. This trend highlights the importance of an inclusive approach to recruitment in addressing the skills gap in the tech industry. 🌍🧑💼 Stay informed about the latest developments in the UK's tech landscape! 🌟 #TechNews #DigitalSkills #AI #Cybersecurity #SpaceTech #Innovation #Inclusion #NationalSecurity

📰 IT News Roundup (September 2, 2024) 🇬🇧💡 1. **The Register**: "UK Launches National Strategy for Quantum Computing Development" - The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy aimed at advancing quantum computing technology. This initiative seeks to enhance research collaboration between universities and industry, positioning the UK as a leader in this groundbreaking field. ⚛️🚀 2. **Ars Technica**: "UK Retailers Embrace AI for Enhanced Customer Experience" - A growing number of UK retailers are integrating artificial intelligence into their operations to improve customer experience. From personalized shopping recommendations to chatbots for customer support, AI is becoming a key tool for driving engagement and sales. 🛍️🤖 3. **BBC**: "Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kickstarts with New UK Initiatives" - As Cybersecurity Awareness Month begins, the UK government is launching new initiatives aimed at educating businesses and individuals about online safety. Workshops, resources, and campaigns will focus on improving cybersecurity practices across the nation. 🛡️💻 4. **The Register**: "New Research Shows Rise of Digital Currency Adoption in the UK" - A recent study indicates a marked increase in digital currency adoption among UK consumers and businesses. As the interest in cryptocurrencies grows, financial institutions are preparing to adapt their services to meet the changing landscape of digital finance. 💰📈 5. **Ars Technica**: "UK Universities Partner with Industry for Advanced Vocational Training" - Several universities in the UK are establishing partnerships with tech companies to create advanced vocational training programs. These collaborations aim to bridge the skills gap, ensuring students acquire relevant skills for in-demand tech jobs. 🎓🔧 6. **BBC**: "Emerging UK Cybersecurity Startups Making Waves in the Industry" - A wave of emerging cybersecurity startups in the UK is gaining recognition for their innovative solutions to combat cyber threats. These companies are attracting investment and attention as they develop cutting-edge technologies to enhance digital security. 🔍💪 7. **The Register**: "UK’s Digital Strategy Faces Criticism Over Implementation Delays" - The UK government’s digital strategy, designed to modernize public services and enhance digital infrastructure, is facing scrutiny due to delays in implementation. Critics argue that the slow progress could hinder the country's competitiveness in the increasingly digital world. ⚖️🕒 Stay connected for the latest updates and innovations shaping the UK tech industry! 🌟 #TechNews #QuantumComputing #AI #Cybersecurity #DigitalCurrency #VocationalTraining #Innovation #DigitalTransformation

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 $𝟓.𝟖 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 Google has announced a $5.8 million investment to support foundational AI and cybersecurity training in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa this year. During a visit to Nairobi, Google President of EMEA Matt Brittin emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in harnessing technology for good, as AI could contribute $30 billion to the sub-Saharan African economy. The funding will be allocated to various organizations and initiatives, including a $1.5 million grant to the Data Scientists Network Foundation (DSNF) for a program targeting unemployed and at-risk Nigerians, and $500,000 in grant support for the Google Cybersecurity Seminars program at several universities, including Nelson Mandela University. The Raspberry Pi Foundation will also receive $300,000 to launch AI literacy education programs for young people in Kenya and Nigeria through Young Scientists Kenya and the Data Scientists Network Foundation. Google's long-standing partnership in Africa's economic and digital transformation was highlighted by Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa, who noted that the company has impacted nearly half of the continent's 716,000 professional developers since opening its first office in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2007. The investment aims to equip workers with foundational AI skills, educate teenagers about AI and its safe and ethical use, and strengthen the digital defenses of local organizations.

📰 IT News Roundup (September 2, 2024) 🇬🇧💡 1. **The Register**: "UK Launches National Strategy for Quantum Computing Development" - The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy aimed at advancing quantum computing technology. This initiative seeks to enhance research collaboration between universities and industry, positioning the UK as a leader in this groundbreaking field. ⚛️🚀 2. **Ars Technica**: "UK Retailers Embrace AI for Enhanced Customer Experience" - A growing number of UK retailers are integrating artificial intelligence into their operations to improve customer experience. From personalized shopping recommendations to chatbots for customer support, AI is becoming a key tool for driving engagement and sales. 🛍️🤖 3. **BBC**: "Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kickstarts with New UK Initiatives" - As Cybersecurity Awareness Month begins, the UK government is launching new initiatives aimed at educating businesses and individuals about online safety. Workshops, resources, and campaigns will focus on improving cybersecurity practices across the nation. 🛡️💻 4. **The Register**: "New Research Shows Rise of Digital Currency Adoption in the UK" - A recent study indicates a marked increase in digital currency adoption among UK consumers and businesses. As the interest in cryptocurrencies grows, financial institutions are preparing to adapt their services to meet the changing landscape of digital finance. 💰📈 5. **Ars Technica**: "UK Universities Partner with Industry for Advanced Vocational Training" - Several universities in the UK are establishing partnerships with tech companies to create advanced vocational training programs. These collaborations aim to bridge the skills gap, ensuring students acquire relevant skills for in-demand tech jobs. 🎓🔧 6. **BBC**: "Emerging UK Cybersecurity Startups Making Waves in the Industry" - A wave of emerging cybersecurity startups in the UK is gaining recognition for their innovative solutions to combat cyber threats. These companies are attracting investment and attention as they develop cutting-edge technologies to enhance digital security. 🔍💪 7. **The Register**: "UK’s Digital Strategy Faces Criticism Over Implementation Delays" - The UK government’s digital strategy, designed to modernize public services and enhance digital infrastructure, is facing scrutiny due to delays in implementation. Critics argue that the slow progress could hinder the country's competitiveness in the increasingly digital world. ⚖️🕒 Stay connected for the latest updates and innovations shaping the UK tech industry! 🌟 #TechNews #QuantumComputing #AI #Cybersecurity #DigitalCurrency #VocationalTraining #Innovation #DigitalTransformation

Google.org Invests $5.8M in AI and Cybersecurity Skilling Across Sub-Saharan Africa Google.org’s $5.8M funding boosts AI and cybersecurity training across Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering workers, students, and nonprofits with essential skills. https://lnkd.in/eEXZtk-X

I am pleased to share our recently published article titled "Integrating AI-based and conventional cybersecurity measures into online higher education settings: Challenges, opportunities, and prospects." The article appears in the journal Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, published by Elsevier. This journal has a CiteScore of 16.8 and is ranked in the top 1% in Scopus, as well as at the United Arab Emirates University. The article resulted from a successful collaboration with graduate students in one of my courses. The article is a systematic literature review that explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into traditional methods to address cybersecurity risks in online higher education. The review integrates a qualitative synthesis of relevant literature and a quantitative meta-analysis using PRISMA guidelines, ensuring comprehensive insights into the integration process. The most prevalent cybersecurity threats are examined, and the effectiveness of AI-based and conventional approaches in mitigating these challenges is compared. Additionally, the most effective AI techniques in cybersecurity solutions are analyzed, and their performance is compared across different contexts. Furthermore, the review considers the key ethical and technical considerations associated with integrating AI into traditional cybersecurity methods. The findings reveal that while AI-based techniques offer promising solutions for threat detection, authentication, and privacy preservation, their successful implementation requires careful consideration of data privacy, fairness, transparency, and robustness. I am very grateful to my co-authors; Medha Mohan A P, Jaloliddin Rustamov, Suha Glal, Zahiriddin Rustamov, Dr. Nazar Zaki, and Dr. FADY ALNAJJAR. I am also thankful to the United Arab Emirates University for the support provided. The article is open access and freely available at: https://lnkd.in/d8Bz-VBh #cybersecurity #AI #education #UAEU

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind: 2024 proved that depth and breadth aren't mutually exclusive in tech careers - sometimes the most impactful growth happens when you embrace both. From diving deep into cybersecurity to racing AI models in AWS DeepRacer, this year showed me that real impact comes from combining technical expertise with practical application: ✅ Technical Achievements • Completed Enterprise Security Nanodegree at Udacity • Ranked 5th in Ghana, 92nd in MEA in AWS DeepRacer • Led Fed F1rst Security Assessment project • Implemented security measures impacting 1M+ users at CryptoV4ult ✅ Community Impact • Trained 50+ students at Springboard • Created training videos reaching 400+ learners • Participated in Ghana Statistical Service's 2024 IBES1 • Selected for Bertelsmann Next Generation Tech Booster Program Looking ahead: 2025 will be about deepening impact in cybersecurity while continuing to mentor and train others. The Bertelsmann program starting December 2024 marks just the beginning of this journey. To my mentors at Springboard, the Ghana Statistical Service team, and everyone who's been part of this growth journey - your support has made this transformation possible. #Cybersecurity #AI #MachineLearning #TechCommunity #LinkedInRewind #2024wrapped

📰 IT News Roundup (August 12, 2024) 🇬🇧💡 1. **The Register**: "UK to Host International Cybersecurity Summit" - The UK government has announced it will host an international cybersecurity summit, bringing together global leaders and experts to discuss collaborative strategies against increasing cyber threats. This event aims to strengthen international partnerships and share best practices in cybersecurity. 🌐🛡️ 2. **Ars Technica**: "New App Launched to Combat Online Misinformation in the UK" - A new mobile application has been launched in the UK designed to help users identify and combat misinformation online. This tool uses machine learning algorithms to fact-check news articles and social media posts, promoting a more informed public. 📱📊 3. **BBC**: "UK Education Sector Embraces EdTech Innovations" - The education sector in the UK is increasingly integrating educational technology (EdTech) into classrooms. Schools are adopting interactive learning platforms and digital resources to enhance student engagement and adapt to modern learning environments. 🏫💻 4. **The Register**: "UK-Based Fintech Companies to Play Key Role in Global Economic Recovery" - A recent analysis suggests that UK-based fintech companies are positioned to play a crucial role in the global economic recovery post-pandemic. By offering innovative financial solutions, these firms are helping businesses and consumers navigate financial challenges effectively. 💳🌍 5. **Ars Technica**: "UK Solar Farms Set to Increase with New Government Funding" - The UK government has announced additional funding for solar energy projects, aiming to boost renewable energy generation. This initiative will help finance new solar farms, contributing to the UK’s goals for sustainable energy production and reducing carbon emissions. ☀️🔋 6. **BBC**: "UK Data Protection Authority Investigates AI Technology Use" - The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK has launched an investigation into the use of AI technologies by companies to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. The goal is to address concerns about privacy and data handling practices within the sector. 🔍⚖️ 7. **The Register**: "Collaboration Between UK Universities and Tech Industry Grows" - A new initiative has been launched to strengthen collaboration between UK universities and the tech industry. This program aims to bridge the skills gap by aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, fostering innovation and driving economic growth. 🏫🤝 Stay at the forefront of the latest developments in the UK's tech scene! 🌟 #TechNews #Cybersecurity #Misinformation #EdTech #Fintech #RenewableEnergy #DataProtection

Even in the age of AI, the demand for human talent remains strong, with over 4 million cybersecurity jobs available globally. Professionals with AI skills earn an average of 21% more than those without, highlighting the importance of staying updated with evolving security needs. Whether you aim to advance your security career through technical upskilling or enhance your team's capabilities with cutting-edge technologies like AI, Microsoft Learn's 30 Day Plans offer a strategic solution. These plans enable you to quickly enhance your skills across various fields and topics, ensuring you stay competitive in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Check out how you can grow your security skillset efficiently with Microsoft Learn's 30 Day Plans: (https://lnkd.in/eg9jkW_s) #security #msftadvocate