By Ellen Holm Tambjerg, Student Assistant, AAU Communication and Public Affairs. Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Cybercrime is a global challenge that has only risen over the last several years. The need for trained cybersecurity experts is increasing, as is the need for a general competence upgrade in cybersecurity among IT professionals.

Researchers at Aalborg University will address this issue through the spin-out company Campfire Security that just received an Innofounder grant of DKK 760,000 from Innovation Fund Denmark. The money will be used to continue developing a cybersecurity training platform, Haaukins, that researchers have been working on for the past five years.

- With support particularly from the Danish Industry Foundation, we have focused on increasing interest in and knowledge of cybersecurity among young people. But we have also seen that many companies have benefited from using the platform to improve cybersecurity among their employees, says Professor Jens Myrup Pedersen, co-founder of Campfire Security.

With the new grant, the researchers will create a model that keeps the Haaukins platform running for young people and the Danish cybersecurity community – free and freely accessible.

- In addition, we also see a huge need to upgrade competence in companies, and we’re certain that the platform we’ve developed meets that need. With this commercial aspect, it is our goal to generate the revenue to keep Haaukins running for the community that we are also happy to be a part of, says Kristian Larsen, Director of Campfire Security and former research assistant at AAU.

Innovation Fund Denmark invests in promising ideas that have the potential to solve society's challenges, and Innofounder grants are awarded to innovative companies in the start-up phase to support them in becoming financially sustainable.

Aalborg University is also enthusiastic about the project.

- At Aalborg University, we are concerned with creating value for society. Campfire Security is a good example of how knowledge created at the university contributes to both society and the business community, says Mads Bang, AAU Director of Innovation.

The Danish Industry Foundation has supported the development of the platform, and Malene Stidsen, head of the foundation's cyber programme, looks forward to following the long-term effects of the project.

- At the Danish Industry Foundation, we are very attentive to our projects creating lasting changes. This model, which creates something for both young people and companies, is very exciting, and we are certain it will create great value for companies' cybersecurity and competitiveness, she says.