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In September 2025, IÉSEG welcomed the very first cohort of its Master in Cybersecurity Management. This program, taught entirely in English, combines technical knowledge with management practice. It has been designed to train managers who can protect information in a world where digital threats are becoming increasingly common.

“People still often think that cybersecurity is a field reserved for engineers, IT professionals, or coders. In reality, that’s not the case at all! Many positions in cybersecurity are not purely technical jobs. They involve risk management, compliance, regulation, and crisis communication—skills that are taught in business schools, not engineering schools,” explains Jennifer ZIEGELMAYER, professor of information systems management and Academic Director of the program.

This first cohort reflects the school’s commitment to diversity and openness. Coming from all over the world (from France, but also from Canada, Nigeria, India, and Colombia), they all come from a wide range of companies and sectors, but they are united by a common desire: to understand the challenges of information security.

“Since the program is not designed to train technicians, but rather to enhance the leadership mindset and the soft skills that future managers will need in the workplace, we have successfully attracted a diverse range of profiles: we have digital specialists, of course, but also lawyers… and even a librarian, for whom managing information is a daily reality. We also want to address the real challenge in the sector, which is to increase the number of women in this role, and I was very pleased to welcome 20% women in this cohort, a figure that I am sure will only grow in the future,” says Jennifer ZIEGELMAYER.

The diversity of experiences: a wealth for the entire cohort

“Students with a technical background help others understand certain IT concepts. In return, those from law or communication provide a different perspective on human and regulatory issues. Mutual support is a daily reality, and we are delighted as professors to see how quickly the students have formed strong bonds with each other, despite coming from such diverse backgrounds!” adds Jennifer ZIEGELMAYER.

The atmosphere within the Master’s program is both serious and relaxed. The curriculum alternates between technical courses and management modules, including case studies, crisis and attack simulations, and meetings with industry experts. Students will also participate in the InCyber Forum, the largest cybersecurity event in Europe held annually in Lille, which will allow them to meet numerous professionals and companies, gradually strengthening their professional network.

Cybersecurity is not just a matter of digital security

“From time to time, we walk around the campus and discover many small security vulnerabilities, like offices left open while someone goes for a coffee, for example… This has helped them understand that protecting an organization also involves managing physical access and human behavior… often, the first vulnerability is a human error!”

At the end of the program, graduates will be able to pursue a wide range of careers, such as cybersecurity analyst, IT auditor, risk management consultant, compliance officer, or penetration tester. Some of them aim to combat cybercrime, while others focus more on governance and new regulations.

“Companies are well aware that today, the real question is no longer whether they will be attacked, but when. The true difference lies in how they prepare, respond, and recover. That’s why our students learn crisis communication and ethical decision-making as much as the technical aspects,” explains Jennifer ZIEGELMAYER.

For her, this master’s program is the culmination of a long effort: “Seeing these students so curious and motivated is truly rewarding. We have worked for several years to build this program, which we aimed to make as distinctive and professional as possible for them. And seeing them, in just a few weeks, create a real community is the greatest reward for all the teachers,” she says.

A master’s program that meets students’ expectations

From the students’ perspective, the feedback has been very positive. Armand LAGOGUEY, one of the students in the program, stated: “These first few months have gone wonderfully. There is a spirit of support and kindness within the Master’s program. I feel that the program provides a relevant response to the current challenges in cybersecurity and equips us with the necessary skills for a successful entry into the job market. This has been confirmed to me through numerous networking interviews and meetings with companies at the IÉSEG Career Forum, which are very interested in my profile.”

Pénélope WENSEL, originally from Canada, states: “Thanks to the Master in Cybersecurity Management, I have already gained valuable knowledge in areas where I previously had little or no experience. This first semester provides a solid foundation with courses that cover the technical fundamentals, which I find particularly helpful. I also appreciate that the Master includes career development courses, which help us enhance our resumes and approach the job market with confidence.”

Finally, for Dumebi OBUH, who comes from Ghana, “I particularly appreciate how the courses combine strategic management thinking with practical cybersecurity concepts. The teaching style is interactive and case-based, with a clear connection to real-world professional situations, making each session relevant and engaging. The classroom atmosphere is warm, diverse, and supportive. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, which makes the discussions rich and engaging. Even in a short time, I have already started to see cyber risks from a more managerial and organizational perspective, not just a technical one. “I am proud to be part of this pioneering group and grateful to grow with this program as it develops.”

The Master’ in Cybersecurity Management is the perfect gateway to a new generation of professionals: those who understand that digital security is not just a matter of pure technique, but a real strategic challenge for businesses.