Shield Academy Team and Facilities

Building Cybersecurity
Expertise in Finland

Since our establishment in Helsinki, Shield Academy has focused on delivering professional cybersecurity education that bridges academic knowledge with practical industry requirements.

Explore Our Courses

Our Foundation and Purpose

Shield Academy emerged from a recognition that cybersecurity education needed a more practical, industry-focused approach. Based in Helsinki's technology district, we established our institution to address the growing skills gap in information security.

Our founders, experienced cybersecurity professionals, identified that traditional academic programs often lacked the hands-on experience essential for effective security practice. This insight led to the development of our curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with intensive practical application.

Today, Shield Academy serves professionals seeking to enter or advance within the cybersecurity field. Our commitment extends beyond course completion, with ongoing support for career development and professional networking within Finland's growing technology sector.

Mission Statement

To provide comprehensive cybersecurity education that prepares professionals for the evolving challenges of information security through evidence-based learning and practical application.

Core Values

Professional integrity, continuous learning, practical excellence, and commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge through collaborative education.

Educational Philosophy

Learning through structured practice, real-world application, and mentorship from active security professionals working in enterprise environments.

Evidence-Based Training Methodology

Our approach combines established educational principles with industry best practices to create effective learning experiences for cybersecurity professionals.

Structured Foundation

Each course begins with fundamental concepts, building knowledge systematically. We ensure students understand underlying principles before progressing to advanced techniques.

Practical Application

Laboratory exercises mirror real security environments. Students work with actual tools and scenarios they will encounter in professional settings.

Continuous Assessment

Regular evaluation ensures mastery of concepts. We provide detailed feedback to help students identify areas for improvement and track progress.

Professional Standards Integration

Industry Alignment

Our curriculum reflects current industry practices and emerging security challenges. We regularly update course content based on threat landscape evolution and technological developments.

Guest instructors from leading Finnish organizations share practical insights and current challenges, ensuring our training remains relevant to workplace realities.

Certification Preparation

Course content aligns with major cybersecurity certifications, supporting students who pursue professional credentials. We provide guidance on certification pathways appropriate for different career goals.

Our approach emphasizes understanding rather than memorization, ensuring students can apply knowledge effectively in certification exams and professional practice.

Our Cybersecurity Experts

Meet the experienced professionals who guide Shield Academy's educational programs and support student success in cybersecurity careers.

Kira Virtanen

Lead Security Instructor

CISSP, CEH

Fifteen years of enterprise security experience including incident response and security architecture. Specializes in network defense and security monitoring systems.

Eetu Laakso

Penetration Testing Lead

OSCP, GPEN

Certified ethical hacker with extensive penetration testing experience across financial and government sectors. Expert in web application security and vulnerability assessment.

Aino Mäkelä

Security Fundamentals Instructor

Security+, GCIH

Security operations specialist with background in SOC management and security awareness training. Focuses on foundational security concepts and compliance frameworks.

Collaborative Teaching Approach

Our instructors maintain active roles in cybersecurity practice, ensuring course content reflects current industry challenges. This dual commitment to education and practice provides students with relevant, up-to-date knowledge and real-world perspective on security operations.

Cybersecurity Excellence in Finland

Shield Academy represents a commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge within Finland's technology ecosystem. Located strategically in Helsinki, we serve as a bridge between academic theory and professional practice in information security.

Our expertise encompasses the full spectrum of cybersecurity disciplines, from fundamental network security principles to advanced penetration testing methodologies. This comprehensive approach ensures our graduates possess both breadth and depth of knowledge essential for effective security practice.

The cybersecurity landscape demands continuous learning and adaptation. Our commitment extends beyond initial training to include ongoing professional development, ensuring our alumni remain current with evolving threats and defensive technologies.

Professional Values and Commitment

Ethical Security Practice

Emphasizing responsible security testing and defensive methodologies within legal and ethical frameworks.

Collaborative Learning

Fostering knowledge sharing and professional networking among cybersecurity practitioners.

Continuous Improvement

Regular curriculum updates based on industry feedback and emerging security challenges.

Professional Development

Supporting career advancement through skill development and industry connections.

"Our goal is not just to teach cybersecurity concepts, but to develop professionals who can think critically about security challenges and implement effective solutions in dynamic environments."

Ready to Begin Your Cybersecurity Journey?

Discover how Shield Academy's comprehensive training approach can support your professional development in cybersecurity. Contact us to explore course options and discuss your career objectives.