As part of the broader mission of the SHE@CYBER project to foster diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce, Work Package 3 (WP3) plays a central role in equipping underrepresented groups—particularly women and disadvantaged individuals—with the foundational skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field of cybersecurity.
Objective and Scope
WP3 focuses on the design and delivery of structured training material to help non-technical participants acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies essential for entering the cybersecurity profession. This work package not only addresses technical content but also integrates a broader educational approach, acknowledging that transitioning into cybersecurity often requires overcoming social, psychological, and perceptual barriers.
The training content is organized into five comprehensive domains:
- Cybersecurity & Business Resilience Essentials – introducing the core principles of cybersecurity and its role in maintaining business continuity.
- Emerging Technologies – exploring how modern innovations such as AI and IoT impact cybersecurity landscapes.
- Theory Behind Attacks and Defenses – providing learners with an understanding of how cyber threats operate and how systems are protected.
- Ethical and Social Implications – examining cybersecurity from a values-based and societal perspective.
- Confidence and Self-Esteem Building – empowering participants to see themselves as future cybersecurity professionals.
Activities and Methodology
The development of WP3 includes:
- Identifying key skills and competencies required in cybersecurity roles.
- Developing targeted training modules that are relatable and applicable to real-world challenges.
- Adapting content nationally to ensure relevance across diverse European contexts.
- Assessing the training internally and externally to validate its effectiveness and inclusivity.
Each module is crafted with accessibility and engagement in mind, combining theory, case studies, and best practices. Special attention is given to behavioral and cultural aspects, ensuring that the training speaks to the unique challenges faced by women and other underrepresented groups in tech.
Impact and Future Use
The outcome of WP3 will be a multi-language online training course, forming a cornerstone of the SHE@CYBER digital platform. It is designed to be scalable, adaptable, and sustainable, empowering vocational education trainers and learners alike to adopt and replicate the program in varied educational and workplace settings. Ultimately, WP3 contributes directly to the SHE@CYBER mission by lowering the barrier to entry into cybersecurity and cultivating a more diverse and resilient workforce, better equipped to protect the digital economy of Europe.
