About CyberGuard Academy
Founded by cybersecurity veterans who believe that hands-on experience beats theoretical knowledge every time. We've been in the trenches, and we know what it takes to succeed in this field.
Our Mission
We exist to bridge the gap between cybersecurity theory and real-world application. Too many training programs teach concepts without context, leaving graduates unprepared for the chaos of actual security incidents. Our approach is different—we throw you into simulated scenarios that mirror the challenges you'll face in your career.
Every instructor on our team has responded to breaches, investigated incidents, and built security programs from the ground up. We don't just teach cybersecurity—we've lived it, breathed it, and used our scars to create better learning experiences for the next generation.
Our Story
The Beginning
Started as a small training initiative by security professionals frustrated with the gap between education and industry needs.
Recognition
Gained recognition for producing job-ready graduates who could handle real-world security challenges from day one.
Today
Now training hundreds of professionals annually with our battle-tested curriculum and hands-on approach.
Meet Our Team
Security professionals who've been in the field long enough to know what actually matters in a real crisis.
Thanos Maniatis
Founder & Lead Instructor
Former CISO at three Fortune 500 companies. Thanos has managed security teams through major breaches and knows what separates theoretical knowledge from practical expertise.
Eleni Papadakis
Penetration Testing Expert
Senior penetration tester with over 12 years experience finding vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Eleni brings real-world attack scenarios to our training labs.
Kostas Georgiou
Network Security Specialist
Built and secured networks for government agencies and financial institutions. Kostas understands the intricacies of network defense at enterprise scale.
Sofia Nikolaidis
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Former intelligence analyst who transitioned to cybersecurity. Sofia brings a unique perspective on threat actor behavior and intelligence gathering techniques.
Dimitris Kouris
Incident Response Lead
Led incident response teams through some of the most challenging breaches in recent history. Dimitris knows how to stay calm when everything is on fire.
Alexandros Petrou
Compliance & Risk Manager
Helped organizations navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining security effectiveness. Alexandros bridges the gap between compliance and practical security.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do, from curriculum design to student support.
Practical Over Theoretical
We prioritize hands-on skills that translate directly to job performance. Our labs simulate real environments because textbook scenarios don't prepare you for the chaos of actual incidents.
Individual Attention
Small class sizes ensure every student gets the guidance they need. We track progress individually and adapt our teaching to match different learning styles and career goals.
Continuous Learning
Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, and so do we. Our curriculum stays current with emerging threats, and we encourage lifelong learning through ongoing support and advanced courses.
Ethical Foundation
We teach powerful skills that come with serious responsibilities. Every program includes ethics training because the cybersecurity community depends on professionals who use their knowledge responsibly.
Why Experience Matters in Cybersecurity Education
The cybersecurity landscape demands more than academic knowledge—it requires battle-tested experience and practical wisdom gained through years of defending against real threats. Academic institutions often struggle to provide this depth of experience because their instructors haven't necessarily worked in the field during major incidents or built security programs from the ground up.
At CyberGuard Academy, our instructors have collectively managed hundreds of security incidents, built enterprise security programs, and navigated the complex challenges that come with protecting critical infrastructure. This experience informs every aspect of our curriculum, from the scenarios we use in labs to the career advice we provide to students.
The Greek cybersecurity market is particularly dynamic, with organizations ranging from traditional enterprises to cutting-edge tech startups all requiring skilled security professionals. Our graduates understand not just the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also the business context and communication skills necessary to succeed in diverse organizational environments.
We believe that cybersecurity education should prepare students for the realities they'll face in their careers, not just the concepts they'll encounter in certification exams. While certifications are important, they're only valuable when backed by the practical skills and judgment that come from experienced mentorship and hands-on training.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join hundreds of professionals who've transformed their careers with our practical, hands-on approach to cybersecurity training.