FH Upper Austria: 25 Years of Cybersecurity Expertise

Cyberattacks targeting businesses, public authorities, and critical infrastructure are increasing worldwide. As a result, highly qualified cybersecurity professionals are more important than ever. What began a quarter-century ago as a visionary degree program in Computer and Media Security has evolved into one of Austria’s leading centers for cybersecurity education, research, and innovation. On June 26, 2026, the Secure Information Systems Department at the FH Upper Austria Campus Hagenberg celebrated its 25th anniversary together with longstanding partners from government, industry, the Austrian Armed Forces, academia, and its alumni community.

Among the distinguished guests were Governor Thomas Stelzer, Manfred Schleinzer, Senior Civil Servant (ret.) at the Austrian Ministry of Defence, FH Upper Austria President Michael Rabl, Managing Director Isolde Perndl, Dean Stefan Wagner, and numerous representatives from industry, research, and security organizations.

“The Secure Information Systems Department is a true success story from Hagenberg. Twenty-five years ago, a forward-looking decision was made here. Today, cybersecurity is on everyone’s mind, yet research has been conducted in Hagenberg and highly qualified experts have been educated here for a quarter of a century. We are fortunate to have them today. Congratulations on this anniversary!” emphasized Governor Thomas Stelzer.

A Vision That Became a Success Model

With remarkable foresight, Hagenberg invested in a field as early as 2000 that has since become more relevant than ever. At the turn of the millennium, the Diploma Program in Computer and Media Security was launched. It later evolved into today’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Secure Information Systems as well as the part-time master’s program in Information Security Management.

Today, Hagenberg is regarded as the only higher education location in the German-speaking EU region that has continuously offered degree programs in IT Security and IT Security Management for 26 years. More than 1,670 students have graduated from these programs, and growing demand has led to a continuous expansion of available study places.

“Twenty-five years ago, cybersecurity was still considered a niche topic by many. Today, it is one of the most important challenges facing our society. Our goal has always been not only to provide students with excellent technical expertise, but also to enable them to take responsibility for the digital security of businesses, public authorities, and society as a whole. At the same time, we aim to further strengthen Hagenberg as a leading center for cybersecurity education, research, and innovation in Austria and Europe—particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, digital resilience, and the protection of critical infrastructure,” said Robert Kolmhofer, Head of the Secure Information Systems Department.

Practice-Oriented Education, Research, and International Networking

Since 2007, scientific education and practical cyber defense expertise have been closely connected through ASICT, a program developed in collaboration with the Austrian Armed Forces. For around 15 years, the department has also organized the ICT Security Conference together with the Austrian Armed Forces, making it one of Europe’s largest cybersecurity conferences with approximately 4,000 participants and a key meeting point for the international cybersecurity and cyber defense community.

Together with partners from industry, public administration, and academia—including the Austrian Ministry of Defence (BMLV), the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI), Energie AG, ORF, creativeBITS, and cyberup—the department has developed and continues to develop innovative solutions for digital security.

The department is also actively engaged in cybersecurity awareness initiatives, working alongside the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) and the Hagenberger Kreis student association. One example is the internationally recognized Security Forum, held annually in Hagenberg and considered Austria’s longest-running recurring cybersecurity conference.

International collaborations include partnerships with Deggendorf Institute of Technology (Germany), Gulf Medical University, and De Montfort University in the United Arab Emirates.

Cybersecurity as a Strategic Asset

The education of highly qualified cybersecurity professionals strengthens not only businesses and public institutions but also the digital resilience of Austria and Europe. Today, the department’s graduates hold key positions in private companies, public organizations, security agencies, and operators of critical infrastructure, helping make digital systems and processes more secure.

Looking Ahead

With the planned FH1 building project and the future UAP Digital Campus Hagenberg, this success story is set to continue in the years ahead.

“By expanding our infrastructure and developing the new Digital Campus, we are creating ideal conditions to further strengthen Hagenberg as a leading center for cybersecurity education and research. Together with the Austrian Armed Forces, we are also making a significant contribution to knowledge transfer and networking within the cybersecurity community through the ICT Security Conference, which is being held in Linz for the third consecutive year,” emphasized FH Upper Austria President Michael Rabl and Managing Director Isolde Perndl.

Fact Box

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Fact Box

25 Years of the Secure Information Systems Department

• Launch of the Computer and Media Security diploma program: 2000
• 26 years of cybersecurity education
• Current degree programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Secure Information Systems, Master’s Degree in Secure Information Systems, Part-time Master’s Degree in Information Security Management, (currently more than 200 students)
• More than 1,670 students educated over 26 years
• More than 1,000 graduates
• Co-organizer of the ICT Security Conference for around 15 years, attracting approximately 4,000 participants annually; taking place in Linz for the third consecutive time this September
• International partnerships with: Deggendorf Institute of Technology (Germany), Gulf Medical University Dubai, De Montfort University Dubai
• Key focus areas: Cyber Defence, IT Security, Secure AI, Digital Resilience, Protection of Critical Infrastructure

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