Strengthening cybersecurity across the EU: The Cyber Citizen Initiative

In their ongoing commitment to bolster the safety and security of all European Union citizens, the Aalto University Department of lnformation and Communications Engineering is pleased to introduce the Cyber Citizen Initiative (CCI) as a catalyst for transformative change. With substantial support of €5 million from the European Union NextGenerationEU instrument, this ambitious three-year EU-wide endeavour is led by the Finnish Ministry of Transportation and Communications and executed by Aalto University, carrying a profound mission.

Elevating Awareness Through Innovation

At the core of this initiative, they have established three essential pillars aimed at engaging and training EU citizens on cybersecurity in their native languages.

1.The Cyber Citizen Hub is a web-based portal equipped with a wide range of digital tools and resources, including e-learning courses, nano-learning learning modules, timely news updates, instructional materials, and more. This platform is dedicated to increasing awareness of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The training material is available in all EU languages and, in addition to the material produced by the initiative, the idea is to collect the best bits of training material from around the EU for distribution in the hub.

2. Another equally captivating element is a cybersecurity game that is accessible through the Cyber Citizen Hub and mobile devices. This interactive game is designed to make cybersecurity engaging and accessible to everyone, regardless of their preferred device or location.

3. Equally crucial is our commitment to fostering broad collaboration. Therefore, the CCI is in the process of establishing an EU-wide community of cooperation, bringing together cybersecurity training and awareness efforts from different countries and at the EU level. We invite governmental entities, NGOs, businesses, and individuals with an interest in the subject, including researchers, to actively participate.

Strengthening EU Resilience

Cybercrime is now the world's third-largest economy, and many EU citizens' devices are unwittingly part of criminal botnets. While EU member states have made significant strides in combating this issue, the cross-border nature of cybercrime necessitates a collaborative approach. It is only by uniting our efforts, sharing best practices, and leveraging resources from across the EU that we can effectively address this challenge.

The Cyber Citizen Initiative holds the key to bolstering the resilience of the entire European Union. As we navigate through these critical years, we find ourselves on the precipice of significant change. The initiative seeks your continued support to ensure its mission endures beyond 2024.

Empowering citizens with cybersecurity skills and awareness can have a profound impact, enhancing both individual and collective EU resilience and strategic autonomy. Let us unite in our efforts to enhance the security of Europe's digital landscape. Your participation plays a pivotal role in contributing to the continued success of this visionary initiative.

Contact information:
Marianne Lindroth

Director, Cyber Citizen Learning & Community
marianne [dot] lindrothaalto [dot] fi (marianne[dot]lindroth[at]aalto[dot]fi)