HackShield (Future Cyber Heroes)

HackShield (Future Cyber Heroes) is a European educational initiative designed to equip children with the digital and cybersecurity skills they need to safely navigate today’s online world. 

Children are growing up in a digital environment shaped by powerful technologies, persuasive design and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. While digital platforms play a central role in young people’s lives, education systems and society often struggle to keep pace with the speed of technological change. As a result, many children lack the skills needed to recognize online risks such as phishing, manipulation, cyberbullying, privacy violations and online fraud.

Get to know the initiative

HackShield was created to address this gap by empowering children to become active and responsible digital 
citizens. Through an engaging combination of gamification, storytelling and real-world community activation, the 
initiative strengthens children’s digital resilience and cybersecurity awareness.

At the heart of the initiative is an online game in which children become Cyber Agents who help defend the internet against cybercriminals. Through interactive missions, players learn essential cybersecurity skills such as recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, protecting personal data and identifying online manipulation. The program is supported by lesson materials for teachers and guest lectures from cybersecurity professionals, connecting digital learning with real-world expertise.

HackShield primarily benefits children aged 8–12, who develop essential digital and cybersecurity skills through 
the program. Secondary beneficiaries include teachers, schools and parents who gain tools to guide children 
safely online. Through partnerships with municipalities, cybersecurity organisations and public institutions, the 
initiative also strengthens digital resilience in communities across Europe.

Why is this a good practice?

HackShield has already reached more than 680,000 children, of which 45% are girls, helping to build a more diverse future generation of cybersecurity talent. The initiative is currently implemented in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Portugal, and continues to expand through partnerships with schools, municipalities, public institutions and cybersecurity organisations.

A unique element of HackShield is its community-based approach. Children are encouraged to share their knowledge with parents, teachers and their wider communities, creating a multiplier effect where young people actively contribute to improving digital safety in their environment. 

By developing cybersecurity skills at an early age, HackShield also contributes to Europe’s digital resilience and technological sovereignty. The initiative helps build a generation of citizens who understand the risks and responsibilities of the digital world, while inspiring future cybersecurity professionals who can strengthen Europe’s digital infrastructure. Through scalable public-private collaboration and engaging educational design, HackShield demonstrates how Europe can proactively invest in digital skills and cybersecurity awareness from an early age creating a safer and more resilient digital future.