Fighting cybercrime with AI: a new master’s program prepares students to become cybersecurity experts

What if artificial intelligence doesn’t just threaten us, but also protects us? The new master’s program Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity trains students to leverage artificial intelligence to combat cybercrime. Could this be the ultimate weapon against digital attacks?

Digital security is becoming increasingly important. The hack targeting the Dutch police or the pager attacks in Lebanon, both carried out in September 2024, are just a few examples of cyberattacks. And the threat only seems to be growing. A recent report from the Ministry of Justice and Security shows that both the frequency and diversity of cyberattacks are on the rise. These attacks could potentially cripple entire sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and government.

It is high time to educate people to tackle such threats. For this reason, the new interdisciplinary master’s program Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity has been created. Starting in August 2025, this program will teach students how to use AI to predict, prevent, and fight cyberattacks more effectively.

Program coordinator Görkem Saygili and Professor of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence Marie Šafář Postma were closely involved in developing the new master’s program. Saygili explains why now is the right time for such a program: ‘Given how quickly AI technologies are advancing, it is likely that cybercriminals will increasingly use AI in their attacks. There is no better moment to be prepared for their attempts. Artificial intelligence can be the poison, but it is also the antidote.’

Artificial intelligence as a solution

In this program, students learn how to design AI systems that can predict cyberattacks or identify potential vulnerabilities in companies’ digital infrastructures. ‘The goal is to train future cyber specialists to build robust systems so they are well-prepared for cybercriminals who use AI to commit crimes,’ Saygili explains.

Unlike most master’s programs, which typically last one year, technical master’s programs span two years – such as this one. This extended duration allows for advanced courses and hands-on experience through internships and lectures from professionals. Saygili shares his enthusiasm: ‘One aspect of the program I’m particularly excited about is the guest lectures where experts share their practical experiences with our students.’ These experts include representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

To ensure that students keep up with the rapid developments in technology and cybercrime, the program emphasizes state-of-the-art AI and cybersecurity techniques. There is also considerable attention given to the regulation of digital security and the ethical issues surrounding AI, such as deepfakes and discriminatory algorithms.

Cybercrime experts with a conscience

According to Saygili, it is a mistake to approach AI and cybercrime solely from a technical perspective. Courses in law and philosophy are essential to train students to become cybercrime experts with a conscience. This is why the master’s program has an interdisciplinary character.

For instance, students will assess the legal and ethical risks of an AI model they develop during their studies. But will they have the insight to do so? In the two years of the program, students only take one law course and one philosophy course. Isn’t that too little to fully grasp the nuances of legal and ethical issues surrounding AI and cybercrime?

Saygili believes it is sufficient: ‘The aim of the program is not to make students legal or ethical experts, but to ensure they are familiar with existing frameworks and know when to involve the right experts.’

To ensure the quality of these courses, faculty members from the law and philosophy departments will teach them. For this purpose, TSHD—the faculty hosting the master’s program—is collaborating closely with the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT) and the Department of Philosophy.

The power of technology

The interdisciplinary approach of this master’s program, with its strong focus on the human side of AI, makes it unique. Artificial intelligence is transforming the world faster than ever, and Saygili emphasizes the importance of cyber specialists being aware of their responsibilities.

‘AI provides us with enormous possibilities, but with great power comes great responsibility,’ he says with a wink. ‘That’s why we aim to train experts who understand and respect the core values of our society and can use the power of technology to defend these values against those who don’t.’

_Advertentie.