The establishment of an expert network was a cornerstone achievement, bringing together professionals from across the EU to collaboratively address information security issues relevant to citizens' daily lives. The expert knowledge brought together in two workshops and a Lead User Workshop and was used for developing practical tools for SME with focus on European regions and international supply chains. In addition, business cooperations between the partner networks could be established and the project contextualized discussions around digital citizenship and identity, expanding beyond economic sustainability. Information security competencies were framed as contributing to resilient citizenship. Building on the prior projects ISALIP continued discussions on effective information security education practices in AE VET and HE and developed practical tools for private environment. The project facilitated EU level collaboration by connecting practitioners and decision-makers from diverse fields, promoting meaningful knowledge exchange. The project consortium demonstrated forward-thinking by working out different possible project ideas for a larger application in the field of information security.
The decision to apply for this project stemmed from the urgent need to address the shortcomings revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the context of information security. The pandemic prompted hasty implementations of ad-hoc solutions, such as the rapid deployment of remote workplaces and the introduction of digital tools for event registrations. Despite expert concerns about information security and data protection, public attention remained minimal, underscoring a longstanding issue in the field. The project's primary objective is to enhance awareness of information security in all its dimensions, encompassing data literacy, protection, and risk management in both corporate and civil settings. The project seeks to fill the gaps with a specific focus on the unique challenges faced by SMEs in European regions with the need of acting cross-border and in international supply chains. By addressing these needs, the ISALIP project aims to strengthen the overall resilience of individuals, businesses, and civic institutions in the face of evolving digital threats. ISALIP takes up the results of predecessor projects such as ISALIP and strengthens the networks of partner organisations between Germany and Lithuania.