Hack Your Device, Fundamentals of Cyber Security

Attention all adventurous and tech- and non-tech-savvy students! 

'Hack Your Device: Fundamentals of Cyber Security' is a BIP coordinated by Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria) together with NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (NHL), Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), with Startup Leiria acting as the regional stakeholder.
As part of this BIP, you work in groups to perform a so-called penetration test for an ‘Internet of Things’ device of your choosing! This means you will learn how to actually hack this device - a chance to show off your creativity and problem-solving abilities.  The final result is a formal pentesting report and a presentation, next to having had a whole lot of fun.

The course requires some basic computer knowledge and a level of comfort with technology. The BIP focuses on diagnosing and investigating IoT-related threats, detecting current and future attacks, communicating effectively to address information security issues, and apply business principles to analyse and interpret data for planning, decision-making, and problem solving in an information security environment. Participants will gain a basic introduction to hacking, computer networks and cybersecurity. The workshop also includes a session on intercultural competence and working in (neuro) diverse teams allowing participants to gain an understanding of intercultural competence in the area cybersecurity, and strategies for building a strong, diverse team. This is an opportunity to gain valuable practical insights and knowledge on the Internet of Things, cybersecurity and pentesting in a fun and exciting way.

Join us on this adventure! 

Date:

17th of April 2026 to 15th of May 2026

Language of instruction:

English

3 ECTS credits
Academic recognition:

To be defined by each home institution. Generally, most students will have this BIP certified in their diploma supplement, as a minimal requirement.

Eligible participants:

The program is open to RUN-EU Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students with an interest in Cybersecurity.

How to apply:

Login to apply for this product.

Deadline for applications: 8th of February 2026

Programme at a glance

Preparation session (online)
17 Apr 2026 :
One-hour online session where students get information about organisational matters (e.g. rooms at IPLeiria) and information about software that should be downloaded in advance (since it is about 20 GB in size).
Face-to-Face Week (in person)
20 Apr - 24 Apr 2026 :
ESTG IPLeiria, Campus 2, Leiria Leiria Portugal
20 April 2026
Morning: Welcome & Opening session. Basics of Cyber Security & Networks
Afternoon: Intercultural sensitivity and diversity in the context of Design Based Education and Cyber Security. Setting up your hacking environment
Evening: Free time (getting to know each other)

21 April 2026
Morning: Internet of Things - Getting Started
Afternoon: Workshop Basic Hacking

22 April 2026
Morning: Pentesting IoT devices. Public Speaking
Afternoon: External stakeholder workshop

23 April 2026
Morning: First experiments with the device. Writing a Penetration Testing Report
Afternoon: Penetration Tests with the device
Evening: Group Dinner

24 April 2026
Morning: Team Work and Coaching
Afternoon: Pentesting concept/Plan of Action Presentation
Interim Week (online)
27 Apr - 01 May 2026 :
Team and Coaching Work
Interim Week (online)
04 May - 08 May 2026 :
Team and Coaching Work
Interim Week (online)
11 May - 15 May 2026 :
Team Work
Final report and presentations, overall quality assessment and reflection

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:

Gain fundamental knowledge about the Internet of Things and cyber security.

Apply this knowledge to diagnose and investigate (apply) cyber threats related to the Internet of Things:

  • Diagnose attacks on an organization’s computer systems and networks.
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to detect current and future attacks on an organization’s computer systems and networks.

Apply business principles to analyse and interpret data for planning, decision-making, and problem solving in an information security environment.

Effectively communicate in a professional setting to address information security issues.

  • Communicate orally and in writing, proposed information security solutions to technical and non-technical decision-makers.

Selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed according to eligibility, motivation and interest in the programme, and the goal of maintaining diverse participation across all RUN-EU member institutions.

Involved organisations and persons

Häme University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Ismo Turve (Instructor)

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Jaqueline Berghout (Instructor)
  • Jeroen Pijpker (Instructor)
  • Stephen McCombie (Instructor)

Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave

Partner Organisation
  • Nuno Lopes (Instructor)

Polytechnic University of Leiria

Lead Organisation, Host Organisation
  • Leonel Santos (Lead Instructor)
  • Mário Antunes (Instructor)

Technological University of the Shannon

Partner Organisation
  • Ken Oakley (Instructor)
  • Michael Winterburn (Instructor)

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Armin Simma (Instructor)

Other persons involved

  • Vítor Ferreira (Regional Stakeholder)
Product label: BIP-HYDEVFCS-01

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674