Professional Development

4 people sitting in front of computers in the middle of conversation

The Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute (CPI) is focused on maintaining and supporting the development and educational growth of its members and the University of Waterloo student body, as well as providing upskilling opportunities for professional development.

As part of CPI's commitment to its leadership role in cybersecurity and privacy research, CPI is actively engaged in addressing the significant global shortage of skilled cybersecurity and privacy professionals.

CPI is confronting these challenges by building on Waterloo’s expertise in computer science, engineering, mathematics, cryptography, and quantum computing to create world-leading cybersecurity research and technologies and increasing interdisciplinary collaboration and educational opportunities across all faculties.

CryptoWorks21 Summer Workshops

Each summer, CryptoWorks21 holds technical and professional workshops for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This program aims to prepare tomorrow’s researchers to lead cryptographic technology research and development, and encourages students to expand their skills and develop next-generation cryptography tools.

Short-Term Course in Cybersecurity and Privacy

Join us for a two-week immersion into cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection facilitated by the Cybersecurity and Privacy and Institute at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. This intensive program combines expert-led workshops, discussion and engagement with projects to explore cutting-edge solutions to today’s digital challenges. 

Custom Training for Organizations

Whether you're an experienced IT professional looking to advance your expertise or an aspiring cybersecurity specialist aiming to break into the field, CPI has partnered with WatSPEED - the University's vessel for professional and executive education - to bring you a comprehensive range of courses that empowers you to secure and protect digital environments in an increasingly interconnected world.

From mastering secure coding practices to understanding cloud security strategies and building resilient network infrastructures, our programs provide the essential skills and knowledge needed to safeguard systems and data against modern threats.


Addressing the cybersecurity and privacy talent gap

As part of CPI's commitment to its leadership role in cybersecurity and privacy research, CPI is actively engaged in addressing the significant global shortage of skilled cybersecurity and privacy professionals. CPI will be developing, facilitating, and promoting a variety of upskilling opportunities.


Please stay tuned to this space to be informed of more developments as they become available.

CPI will continue to promote and support cybersecurity and privacy training and upskilling of the workforce by:  

  • Supporting development of a Cybersecurity MMATH (Masters in Mathematics) program;
  • Partnering with WATSpeed for future training initiatives; and,
  • Ensuring the effectiveness of this program in delivering a talent stream to industry by expanding on cybersecurity training programs at Waterloo and elsewhere.