General Objective
To strengthen the cybersecurity competence, confidence and digital autonomy of older adults through evidence-based research, accessible training and practical opportunities for cooperation and peer learning.
About DefendEUrself
Cybersecurity education built around real life
DefendEUrself strengthens the digital autonomy of adults aged 45 and above through practical learning, culturally relevant examples and clear behavioural response scripts.
Objectives
From awareness to autonomous action
Specific Objectives
- Assess cybersecurity knowledge gaps and educational needs among older adults.
- Develop an accessible and interactive cybersecurity training course.
- Transform general awareness into practical and repeatable protective behaviour.
- Encourage cooperation among learners, educators, younger people, community organisations and policymakers.
- Support continued participation in banking, healthcare, public administration and communication services without fear or dependency.
The challenge
The Digital Resilience Gap
Older adults are sufficiently connected to be targeted, yet too often lack the defensive habits and recovery pathways required to remain safe and autonomous.
High activity, concentrated risk
Banking, healthcare, messaging and public administration are increasingly online, making cybersecurity essential to everyday autonomy.
The confidence–competence gap
Knowing that scams exist does not necessarily mean knowing how to verify, pause and respond safely under pressure.
Dependence on informal support
Many users rely on younger relatives after something has gone wrong, rather than building their own practical digital defence skills.
Generic and technical guidance
Existing materials are often abstract, jargon-heavy or disconnected from the platforms and institutions learners actually encounter.
Missing recovery pathways
Cybersecurity education rarely provides accessible, shame-free steps for recovering after fraud, data loss or account compromise.
Forced digitalisation
When physical alternatives disappear, digital participation becomes necessary for maintaining access to services, rights and administration.
European relevance
A shared European challenge needs a shared response
The project links digital inclusion with usable self-protection. By combining evidence from five national contexts, DefendEUrself develops resources that are comparable across Europe while remaining locally recognisable and culturally relevant.
- Digital inclusion and participation in essential services
- Adult learning and active ageing
- Prevention of online fraud and account compromise
- Intergenerational learning and community support
- European cooperation, social inclusion and policy dialogue
“Digital inclusion is incomplete when people can access online services but cannot protect themselves while using them.”DefendEUrself research framework
Target groups
Designed with learners, educators and communities in mind
Adults aged 45 and above
People with different levels of digital experience, confidence and independence who use online services in their everyday lives.
Those who support safer digital participation
Adult educators, training providers, younger people, community organisations, local authorities, policymakers and technology stakeholders.
Work packages
A structured route from research to impact
Project Management
Coordination, quality assurance, financial management, communication and cooperation among partners.
DefendEUrself In-Depth Analysis
Cross-national research, national data collection, international analysis, validation and refinement.
DefendEUrself Training Course
Preparation, content development, evaluation, finalisation, piloting and implementation of the 21 Micro-MOOCs.
DefendEUrself Network
Platform development, peer discussions, intergenerational hackathons, policy recommendations and sustainability actions.
Project consortium
Six partners across five countries
The consortium combines adult education, research, digital innovation and community engagement.
Open Education Hub
Brussels-based non-profit organisation focused on inclusive education, upskilling and digital transition.
7HUB
Inclusive education and social innovation organisation contributing expertise in digital safety and accessible learning.
European Educational Association
Adult education provider contributing curriculum, training and local implementation expertise.
ReadLab Brussels
Interdisciplinary association contributing research, scientific analysis and educational innovation.
Casa do Professor
Educational organisation supporting teachers, adult learners and community-based learning.
Menas ir inovacijos / ART+INN
Organisation specialising in innovative adult education, creative methodologies and digital learning.