The "Cyber IN Practice" project aimed to enhance cybersecurity expertise beyond the consortium countries by fostering professional groups dedicated to improving cybersecurity management in non-IT areas of the higher education (HE) system. The project achieved the following: - Reducing regional disparities in cybersecurity skills and competencies among partner countries. - Supporting the identification of cyber threats and security gaps in HE institutions within these countries. - Increasing awareness of cyber risks among target groups by emphasizing cybersecurity requirements in EU HE institutions. - Promoting the adoption of cybersecurity through innovative learning modules and the dissemination of project deliverables. - Enhancing networking among partners to address common cybersecurity challenges through knowledge sharing. - Piloting and testing the integration of learning nuggets into non-IT oriented courses at HE institutions. - Developing a realistic understanding of cyber risks and preventive measures among partners and their local and regional networks. - Facilitating the creation of synergies to achieve common goals, potentially exceeding what partners could achieve individually.
Cybersecurity is increasingly important due to the global spread of COVID-19, which has highlighted the need for an international approach. During the pandemic, over 80% of students globally were unable to attend educational institutions, leading to unprepared teachers, students, and university authorities. This situation resulted in intensified internet usage and accelerated digitization, escalating cyber risks worldwide. Recognizing the critical need to address these challenges, efforts are focused on understanding evolving risks, updating legislation, and strengthening critical information infrastructure. A Project Description Section outlined these needs based on a preliminary study and SWOT analysis of each partner institution. Key gaps identified include the integration of information systems with critical infrastructure, humanities teachers struggling with online platforms, a lack of security procedure knowledge, absence of standardization, and issues surrounding e-learning flexibility, data security, copyright, and platform choice legal constraints.