Erasmus+ cooperation partnership

DefendEUrself

Innovative Cybersecurity Skills for Seniors. Practical cybersecurity education that helps older adults recognise online risks, respond safely and remain autonomous in an increasingly digital society.

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Older adult using a laptop protected by a digital shield
Digital autonomy, not digital fearClear actions for real-life online situations.
What the project does

From evidence to confident digital behaviour

DefendEUrself combines cross-national research, accessible training and a European support network to strengthen cybersecurity competence among adults aged 45 and above.

Evidence-Based Research

Understanding the real cybersecurity experiences, vulnerabilities and learning needs of older adults across five European countries.

Accessible Cybersecurity Training

Interactive Micro-MOOCs built around recognisable situations, clear language, repetition and practical response scripts.

Digital Resilience and Community

Peer learning, intergenerational cooperation and a multilingual network that supports safer participation in digital life.

Illustration of survey research and analysis
Project overview

Older adults are online. The missing piece is protection.

DefendEUrself is an Erasmus+ KA220-ADU partnership led by Open Education Hub and involving organisations from Belgium, Greece, Italy, Lithuania and Portugal. The project responds to a central challenge: essential services have moved online faster than cybersecurity competence has developed.

The project turns awareness into practical, repeatable and confidence-building behaviour through research, training, community engagement and policy dialogue.

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The pathway

Research. Learn. Practise. Connect.

A clear project journey from documented needs to sustainable European cooperation.

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WP2

Cross-National Cybersecurity Analysis

Five national studies and one consolidated report based on 635 adults aged 45 and above.

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WP3

DefendEUrself Training Course

Twenty-one Micro-MOOCs organised across progressive learning levels and practical cybersecurity themes.

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WP4

DefendEUrself Network

A multilingual environment for resources, events, peer discussion, best practices and intergenerational exchange.

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Community

Policy and Community Action

Local hackathons, online discussions, roundtables and recommendations for more inclusive cybersecurity education.

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Partnership

Six organisations, one shared mission

Education, research, community work and digital innovation come together in a five-country partnership.

Open Education Hub

CoordinatorBelgium

Adult education, digital transition and inclusive learning.

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European Educational Association

Greece

Adult learning, digital education and training implementation.

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ReadLab Brussels

Belgium

Scientific research, education and socially relevant innovation.

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Casa do Professor

Portugal

Education, teacher support and community learning.

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Menas ir inovacijos / ART+INN

Lithuania

Innovation in adult education, creativity and digital learning.

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Build your individual digital shield

Discover the evidence, training resources and community activities developed by DefendEUrself.

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The DefendEUrself partnership

Open Education Hub (Belgium)7HUB (Italy)European Educational Association (Greece)ReadLab Brussels (Belgium)Casa do Professor (Portugal)Menas ir inovacijos / ART+INN (Lithuania)