The Erasmus+ CYBER Project aimed to enhance understanding of cyber resilience and digital safety among European youth through a comprehensive research initiative spanning Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Slovakia. Engaging 210 young individuals, 5 schools, and consultations with 5 national/local police departments, the study employed diverse research methods at macro, meso, and micro levels to ensure a thorough analysis.
At the macro level 📚, desk research played a foundational role by gathering existing data, reports, and documentation on national cybersecurity policies and frameworks. This included policy analysis, where government documents, legislation, and strategies related to cybersecurity and education were reviewed, and a literature review that examined academic and industry literature to contextualize cyber resilience education and its challenges.
Surveys 📝 were extensively used, particularly at the micro level, to collect data directly from primary stakeholders—students and educators within school communities. These surveys aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of cyber threats and digital literacy among students and teachers, as well as to evaluate the personal impact of cyber threats on students, including psychological effects and behavioral changes.
Structured interviews 🎙️ were conducted with key stakeholders at both the macro and meso levels. Interviews with cybersecurity police and experts provided insights into the goals and challenges of national cybersecurity strategies, while interviews with school administrators and teachers helped uncover practical challenges and successes in integrating cyber resilience into the educational curriculum.
Best practices 🌟 were analyzed primarily at the meso level to provide detailed examples of how specific schools or local communities have successfully implemented cybersecurity measures or faced particular challenges. This involved an in-depth exploration of instances where cybersecurity education programs were either successful or encountered significant obstacles and a comparative analysis to identify factors influencing outcomes across different contexts.
This multi-faceted approach ensured a holistic understanding of the cyber landscape, aligning research methods with specific objectives, and providing valuable insights for developing effective cyber resilience strategies and educational programs.