II International Cybersecurity Forum "International Cyber Forum 2025"

The Cyber Forum was organized by Polotsk University in collaboration with "Absolute Internet Systems" LLC, with support from partner companies Kaspersky Lab and UserGate. It is the largest event in Belarus dedicated to information security issues, aimed at engaging youth in the development of cybersecurity technologies and motivating students to enhance their level of professional competencies in the field of IT.

Yury Ramanouski, Rector of Euphrosyne Polotskaya State University of Polotsk: "It is unlikely that any 'classical' educational course can compare with such a forum in terms of effectiveness. Master classes and presentations by representatives of the most authoritative companies in the industry, addressed directly to students, are of particular value — leading experts help them deeply immerse themselves in the daily practice of cyber experts who analyze and prevent the most complex threats. These initiatives provide invaluable practical experience, teach teamwork in solving practical problems, and simultaneously allow participants to assess their qualifications during a cyber tournament. Equally important is that with the help of experts, schoolchildren are also getting their first serious introduction to the cybersecurity industry—those who in the coming years will be mastering the profession as students".

On the eve of the Cyber Forum, Polotsk University and UserGate signed a cooperation agreement in the field of cybersecurity training. As part of the partnership, UserGate Academy will provide the university with all necessary educational materials and licenses for conducting educational activities and practical classes based on the vendor's solutions. Polotsk University has become the first higher education institution in Belarus to enter into a cooperation with UserGate.

A cryptographic engineering laboratory, established in collaboration with "Absolute Internet Systems", has opened at Polotsk University. The laboratory's modern software enables reverse engineering and signature analysis of files for malware detection. Students are given the opportunity to work with modern database management systems and SIEM systems. The laboratory operates on an isolated segment of the local area network, allowing students to freely simulate attacks to search for vulnerabilities and model the process of protecting IT infrastructure to prevent incidents in a two-team competitive format.

The central event of the forum was the "UserGate" cyber tournament, which involved students from the Faculty of Computer Science and Electronics of Polotsk University. The participants faced the challenge of solving practical tasks involving the defense of test infrastructure against cyber attacks.

Tournament results:

• 1st Place: Maksim Barkov, 2nd-year student in "Cybersecurity"
• 2nd Place: Kirill Shunkov, 4th-year student in "Computer Security"
• 3rd Place: Anastasia Bekkerova, 3rd-year student in "Cybersecurity"

UserGate expert Olga Mikhailova conducted a workshop for schoolchildren titled "Digital Literacy and Career Guidance". The participants received detailed information about the information security field and delved into the specifics of the work of professionals in this area. The students learned about the key tasks that information security specialists face, as well as the necessary skills and knowledge that those who decide to pursue a career in this profession will need to master.

At the drone demonstration show, Kaspersky Lab representative Alexander Gorbunov demonstrated the practical application of modern systems for detecting, identifying, and analyzing unmanned aerial vehicles — relevant tools in the field of cybersecurity and digital system protection.

Forum participants shared their experience of collaborating with educational institutions and initiatives in the field of personnel training. Oleg Malevich, Director of Absolute Internet Systems, presented the talent integration and development strategy, noting how the organization supports its solution users.

General Manager of Kaspersky Belarus Dmitry Kudrevich spoke about the company's educational initiatives, while UserGate Academy Director Margarita Zaitseva presented the company's experience in implementing a comprehensive approach to deploying cybersecurity tools and training information security specialists.

Aleksey Burachonak, Vice-Rector of Polotsk University, described how students are being prepared to meet the challenges of the digital age.

During the discussion session, representatives of leading IT companies and Polotsk University discussed key aspects of cybersecurity and developed strategies for collaborative student training. Cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex and diverse, which requires future specialists to possess practical skills honed in real-world conditions.

The forum's cultural programme included excursions that introduced guests to the cultural and historical heritage of Polotsk. Participants visited iconic landmarks such as St. Sophia Cathedral, the Polotsk Collegium, and other architectural and educational monuments of the city.

A concert of organ music was held at St. Sophia Cathedral. The guests were treated to the sounds of a unique organ installed by the Rieger-Kloss company in 1985. This event became a bright finale to the Forum's second day, allowing participants to enjoy magnificent music in the atmosphere of the ancient city.