Cyber Citizen

Cyber Citizen brings cybersecurity into everyday life. The project improves the educating and training of  essential cybersecurity skills across the European Union by utilising research, online training, and gamification. It addresses the cybersecurity skills shortage identified at EU level, helping to ensure that everyone in Europe has the skills to stay safe online.

Recognising the critical role of individuals in maintaining cybersecurity, the project focuses on people as active contributors to cyber safety. It promotes a model of shared responsibility inspired by the Finnish comprehensive security model. 

Get to know the initiative

The project's key objectives are:

• Conducting research to assess existing cybersecurity education and training models within the EU.
• Developing a unified learning model applicable across all EU member states.
• Implementing and disseminating learning tools, including a multilingual website (all EU languages) and a game.
• Piloting the learning materials with municipalities and schools in Finland.

The initial research phase mapped the current state of cybersecurity education and training within the EU. This involved extensive data collection and analysis to map the educational landscape and understand both the 
commonalities and differences across member states. The findings guided the development of a learning model 
that supports EU-level goals while respecting national education systems.

Progress made so far

In the implementation phase, the project produced a European model for learning basic cybersecurity skills. Updatable learning materials were created, and gamified elements were integrated into the learning experience. The materials were designed to be adaptable so they can evolve alongside the rapidly changing cybersecurity environment.

Two main learning products were developed based on this model:

• SecPort learning portal: a multilingual, AI-supported platform offering courses, games, videos, infographics, a glossary, articles, and a 'panic button' linking to national help and reporting channels. It aggregates both project-produced content and high-quality materials from other EU member states.
• Cyber City Tycoon mobile game: a mobile game that makes the process of learning about cybersecurity enjoyable by using commercial-grade game mechanics. Players learn to spot everyday cyber risks by stepping into the role of a cybercriminal. The game can be played free of charge on Android and iOS, and in a browser in all EU languages.

In the current phase, the project is piloting and scaling up the use of these tools. In Finland, municipalities are offered learning materials to train their staff. These materials will also be adapted for local companies and can subsequently be made available for other EU countries. Schools are provided with ready-to-use training materials to help teachers integrate cybersecurity topics into lessons.

Why is this a good practice?

The main beneficiaries are working-age EU citizens aged 15–64 years, particularly those who do not necessarily receive systematic cybersecurity training but are nevertheless affected by cyber threats. These groups include, for example, employees in SMEs, entrepreneurs, students, and jobseekers. In addition, the project serves the education sector, municipalities, and public sector, which can utilise the project's cybersecurity learning materials and tools in their own activities.

Learning materials cover 27 EU member states in all 24 EU languages. SecPort offers 830 translations of learning materials, 796 translations of pages, and 2,064 glossary translations, with over 10,000 visits and 50,000 page views. The game has over 2,500 users. Learning cards have been viewed 50,000 times and an average player plays for 1 hr 42 min. The project took part in 30+ events in 10+ countries. The EU-wide study was based on 200 interviews and 1,800 documents.