Armenia Peace Initiative (API), in partnership with the French University in Armenia (UFAR) and the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), has successfully completed the fourth edition of its intensive cybersecurity training, held from 24 February to 21 March 2025. This new session confirms API’s commitment to helping Armenian companies and banks build their skills in the face of growing digital threats.
Designed to meet the specific needs of professionals from critical sectors – telecommunications, public services, banks, ministries – the course brought together fifteen participants, fourteen of whom obtained their certificate of achievement at the end of the programme. The course, structured into six technical modules, was based on a resolutely practical approach, combining theory, practical exercises, tutorials, case studies and continuous assessment.
A programme overseen by French experts
The training was provided by Sebastien Barguirdjian, a lecturer at the IUT de Rennes-Saint Malo, and Nicolas Renard, Cloud Architect at Orange. Their complementary skills ensured a high standard of teaching and effective transmission of knowledge in the following areas: introduction to cybersecurity, networks, system administration and security, virtualisation, digital forensics and penetration testing (Pentest).
The trainees worked in simulated environments, handling virtualisation tools, Linux systems and realistic vulnerability analysis scenarios, in a climate marked by interactivity, rigour and collective commitment.
A highlight by Ralph Yirikian, CEO of Ucom
On 1 March 2025, a special session welcomed Ralph Yirikian, CEO of Ucom. He delivered a keynote on the strategic importance of cybersecurity for businesses in the 21st century, followed by an open discussion with attendees. On this occasion, Mr Yirikian reiterated the need for organisations to equip themselves with solid human and technological resources in order to deal with contemporary digital threats.
‘Understanding cybersecurity is no longer an option, but a collective responsibility. Training our professionals means guaranteeing the stability and security of our digital ecosystem.’ – Ralph Yirikian, Managing Director, Ucom.
A strategic initiative for Armenia’s digital resilience
In a sensitive geopolitical context, strengthening cybersecurity is an issue of national sovereignty. Through this programme, API is pursuing its objective of building up a pool of local skills capable of protecting the country’s critical infrastructures and sensitive data.
Building on the success of this fourth edition, API is already planning new sessions to extend this training effort, in close coordination with its academic and industrial partners. This dynamic is part of a long-term vision to make Armenia a player capable of responding effectively to the challenges of cybersecurity on a national and regional scale.
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