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Event in Lithuania Highlights the Importance of Cybersecurity Skills

On October 23rd, the “Cybarverse” cybersecurity forum for the educational community took place in Vilnius, Lithuania. The event aimed to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity skills and introduce innovative training tools using modern virtual reality technologies. Participants also had the opportunity to learn from experts and peers about ensuring personal and organizational security.

Rita Šukytė, head of the “Langas į ateitį” association, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity skills in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, where the ability to recognize and protect against cyber threats is essential for maintaining a safe learning environment.

Andrius Zykas and Edgaras Pangonis, vocational teachers from Kaunas Information Technology School, urged participants to be vigilant online, learn to recognize social engineering, be cautious with emails from unknown senders, avoid suspicious links, and not share personal information. The speakers demonstrated how cybercriminals bypass complex security technologies when users trustingly follow instructions in a fraudulent email.

Project partners from Malta, Cyprus, and Romania shared their experiences in applying and disseminating the project’s results in their countries.

Rita Šukytė introduced “CybARverse” new open online courses aimed at developing cybersecurity skills. The training program explains common signs of cyber attacks and provides tips on how to avoid and manage these threats. The material is designed to strengthen the cybersecurity of educational institutions by enhancing the resilience and preparedness of teachers across all subjects. The programs for beginners and advanced users incorporate augmented and virtual reality elements.

Finally, participants had the opportunity to try out the training environment, which uses virtual and augmented reality elements to provide an interactive learning experience.

The launch of the CybARverse Academy by Tech.mt took place at TechXpo Malta, which saw thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest in technology, and which provided the ideal setting for the launch of our VR-assisted cybersecurity training academy.

This Academy, through its structured training modules, pedagogical guidelines, and a best practice guide helps educators integrate VR into their classrooms, enhancing cybersecurity, digital skills, and student engagement. The Academy’s VR workshops showcased the practical applications of VR in cybersecurity, offering participants an immersive, hands-on experience. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with educators particularly excited about the potential of VR to enhance teaching and learning.

This multiplier event saw a strong turnout from the educational community, having 58 attendees, with 60 individuals taking the Academy’s courses on site. In addition to the educational focus, TechXpo Malta welcomed over 3,000 delegates and 70 local companies, providing a valuable networking opportunity for educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups in the technological and digital sectors.

Links to Press Statements

1. Interview of online news platform Strada Rjali with Roderick Spiteri on the CybARverse Project

19 October 2024 – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/quBgKKdVXKocjCzR/

1. Interview with Roderick Spiteri

2. Screenshot of the interview taken from the online video 

2.     Link to National Television programme called TVM Tech broadcasted on 26th October 2024:    https://tvmi.mt/episode/105377

 Screen Shots from TVM Programme – TVM Tech

Fundatia EOS – Educating for an Open Society organised the final multiplier event of the CybARverse project on 17^th October, 2024. The event was held at the National College “Mihai Eminescu” in Petroșani and was attended by over 38 VET educators and trainers from the pre-university sector in Hunedoara County.

This event provided a great opportunity for educators to delve into the cybersecurity course content developed by the project and to directly experience methods of identifying and counteracting cyber-attacks using AR/VR technology.

During the information sessions, participants learned about the project objectives, activities, curriculum content, resources for educators, and the educational opportunities offered through the Romanian CybARverse Academy.

The participants showed keen interest in the information provided and paid special attention to interactive demonstrations of using AR/VR tools in cybersecurity training.

The network of schools in Romania is always interested in using new resources and training methods. These resources are not very common in Romania, and school representatives have highlighted the importance of cybersecurity resources for the education sector.

At the end of the event, a dedicated discussion session was initiated where participants had the chance to ask numerous questions regarding training methodology, the online platform, and the experiences faced by teachers during the pilot exercise.

The Cyprus Computer Society organised the final multiplier event of the CybARverse project on 9 October, 2024. The event was coorganised with the Robotex Cyprus award ceremony in the presence of more than 200 participants students, parents and stakeholders. Beofre and after the main event the participants had the opportunity to use the AR/VR equipment and see the developed app as well as to be informed about the project on a one to one level.

The agenda of the event included welcome speeches from the CCS Board chairman Mr. Agrotis, the Bank of Cyprus head of corporate responsibility Ms. Ioannidou and the Cyprus Chief Scientist. Following up Mr. Toumazis from CCS presented the project, its importance, activities implemented and outcomes and invited everyone to visit the booth after but also to register in the CybARverse academies. At the event representatives from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the Cyprus Youth Board were present and showed also interest in the academies.

CybARverse Academy Launches Multilingual Cybersecurity Training Programs

Empowering Trainers and the Public with Essential Cybersecurity Skills through Erasmus+ Funding

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the CybARverse Academy, a transformative initiative designed to elevate cybersecurity awareness and skills for trainers and the general public. Backed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, CybARverse Academy provides comprehensive courses in English, Greek, Lithuanian, Maltese, and Romanian, making cybersecurity education more accessible to diverse audiences across Europe.

About CybARverse Academy

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, robust cybersecurity knowledge is crucial. CybARverse Academy meets this growing demand by offering immersive, practical learning experiences. The academy equips participants with the skills to protect sensitive information, defend against cyber threats, and foster a culture of online safety.

Course Offerings

CybARverse Academy offers structured programs across three certification levels:

• Beginner Level: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Intermediate Level: Advanced Cyber Defense
• Advanced Level: Cybersecurity Leadership

Each course is tailored to varying levels of experience, ensuring a personalized learning path. Trainers are also provided with detailed lesson plans to facilitate effective teaching.

Immersive Learning Technologies

CybARverse Academy integrates innovative tools to enhance the learning experience. In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants will enjoy:

• Short, engaging instructional videosavailable on our YouTube channel.
• Hands-on experiencesthrough the CybARverse app, featuring Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) elements.
• Interactive learning sessionsat local partner facilities for a deeper dive into practical cybersecurity scenarios.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Matters

In an age of increasing cyber threats, awareness is essential. By joining CybARverse Academy’s training programs, participants will:

• Enhance Digital Literacy: Master cybersecurity best practices.
• Protect Sensitive Data: Learn how to safeguard personal and organizational information from cyberattacks.
• Promote Safe Online Behavior: Enhance your security awareness within organisations and communities.
• Boost Career Prospects: Gain certifications that bolster employability in the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

Register Today – It’s Free!

We invite trainers, educators, professionals, and anyone interested in cybersecurity to enroll for FREE.

To sign up for CybARverse Academy, visit www.cybarverse.eu and go to the “Courses” section. Select your preferred language and certification level and complete the simple registration process. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certification validating your expertise.

Join the Cybersecurity Movement

Take the first step toward becoming a cybersecurity champion. Join CybARverse Academy today and contribute to a safer digital world.

For more information, contact: CybARverse Academy
Email: academy@cybarverse.eu
Website: www.cybarverse.eu

Stay informed, stay secure. Empower yourself with the skills to navigate and protect today’s digital world.

From April to June 2024 an important milestone for the CybARverse project has been reached! The project partners implemented the pilot testing activities in Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus and Romania. The goal of pilot testing was to test with learners the developed 17 cybersecurity scenarios and their interactive elements of virtual reality and augmented reality.

Depending on their knowledge level participants could choose to study in some or all of the available courses which is distributed between the following levels:

–      Beginner: the level covers essential cybersecurity topics for beginners, including an introduction to malware, social engineering, grooming, social media threats, phishing, and Internet of Things (IoT) attacks.

–      Intermediate: this course level delves into advanced cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, rootkits, pharming, cryptojacking, cross-site scripting, and SQL injection.

–      Advanced: the course level focuses on complex cybersecurity threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks, Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities, zero-day exploits, and both DoS and DDoS attacks.

During the pilot training period, over 50 participants from the 4 partner countries tested the developed materials and gained more knowledge on cybersecurity topics. The training material includes a theoretical section, a proposed lesson plan, informative short videos and the use of the CybARverse VR/AR immersive experience. The participating trainers and trainers not only studied the developed materials, but also provided valuable feedback for the further improvement of the course.

The evaluation of the course revealed positive feedback from the participants. The pilot testing of the cybersecurity course utilizing immersive technologies received a comprehensive evaluation from participants, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. The feedback reveals that the course was well-received overall, with many participants praising its usefulness and the way it effectively enhanced their knowledge of cybersecurity. Beginner and intermediate levels were particularly appreciated for their appropriateness and clear, essential content, while some participants found the advanced level too easy, indicating a need for more challenging material at higher levels.

The pilot training feedback was comprehensively discussed by partners during LTTA2 in Cyprus. The next project phase continues with making necessary amendments to the course content and course translation to partner languages.

In autumn the course will be introduced publicly in partner countries and on European level.

What is CybARverse?

CybARverse is a strategic partnership project funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. The project focuses on enhancing cybersecurity awareness and literacy using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. This initiative aims to transfer knowledge to VET (Vocational Education and Training) professionals more efficiently.

Key Highlights:

• 2nd LTTA Meeting in Cyprus (July 2024):
  • In-depth review of pilot training results from Malta, Cyprus, Romania, and Lithuania.
  • Partner countries shared insights on participant engagement, implemented activities, and received feedback.
  • Interactive use of VR/AR content was well-received, showcasing innovative approaches in the project.
• CyberARverse Academies:
  • Launching in September 2024 in Cyprus, Lithuania, Malta, and Romania.
  • Specialized training centers aimed at enhancing cybersecurity literacy through AR and VR.
  • Offerings include online workshops, certification courses, and interactive simulations for various expertise levels.
  • Focus on integrating modern digital technologies into curricula to make cybersecurity education accessible and engaging.
  • Designed to foster a deeper understanding of cybersecurity challenges and equip participants with practical skills.

AR and VR in Training:

• Augmented Reality (AR):Overlays digital information onto the real world, enriching real-time interactions.
• Virtual Reality (VR):Creates immersive, simulated environments for engaging in realistic scenarios.
• Benefits:
  • Provides dynamic, interactive learning opportunities.
  • Aims to improve engagement, comprehension, and retention in training programs across partner countries.

Contact Information:

• Email:academy@cybarverse.eu
• Website:eu

 

Download pdf

The 2nd Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTTA) of the project took place in Larnaka, Cyprus on 19 and 20 June 2024! Following the piloting and the evaluation of the CybARverse Academies, the consortium and the trainers during the LTTA discussed the final touches of the content and the VR/AR experience of the users. The participants also had the chance to test again the VR/AR environment which was casted live in the meeting room.

During the summer break the content will be finalized so that the academies will be able to be launched in September 2024!

This activity was hosted by the Cyprus Computer Society at the Multifunctional Space of the Larnaka Municipality.

Memorandum of Commitment

The primary objective of this Memorandum of Commitment is to ensure that every CybARverse
partner is committed to following and adhering to the Operational Concepts for the establishment
of CybARverse Academies within each participating country. By formalizing this MoC, each
partner undertakes to actively engage in the implementation of Operational Concepts specific to
their respective nations, fostering a harmonized and effective approach to the establishment of
CybARverse Academies. Additionally, the memorandum aims to fortify collaborative endeavours
among all Parties, emphasizing joint efforts in advancing the development of each country’s
Academy.

Read more here= –> Memorandum of Commitment

 Introduction: What is CybARverse?

CybARverse is a strategic partnership project funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. This project supports cybersecurity awareness and literacy in a more efficient way and seeks to transfer knowledge to VET professionals by making use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

CybARverse objectives:

• To promote professional, personal, and digital skills among VET teachers and trainers in the field of cybersecurity.
• To incorporate modern and immersive technologies (namely AR and VR) into VET cybersecurity training.
• Structured qualification of up to 80 VET teachers and trainers to become cybersecurity aware and literate.
• To ensure the sustainability of the project results.

Visit project website www.cybarverse.eu to explore more!

2. Winning the Quality Award in Lithuania

Every year Lithuanian National Agency “Education Exchanges Support Foundation” organizes Quality Award Ceremony for Erasmus+ and Nordplus international education projects that promote inclusion, ecological thinking and digital skills.

CybARverse project is among the winners! The project was acknowledged in the category of Strongest start.

On 26 October 2023, the seventeenth edition of the Awards was organized in Lithuania. The event highlighted the achievements of the projects and honoured members of the education community who continuously strive for high standards, encourage students to develop the necessary skills and competences, and contribute to the prosperity of the education system. On the occasion of the European Year of Skills, a lot of attention was paid to artificial intelligence technology.

We are happy to be among the winners of this ceremony, as it is an important recognition for people working in the field of education, who are sometimes making small steps, but very important for the growth of our society.

3. Partners meeting to discuss establishment of CybARverse Academies

November marks an important date for the project – it is the time to start the activity of CybARverse academies. For this purpose, partners from Romania, Malta, and Cyprus made their trips to Vilnius (Lithuania), where project partner from Lithuania association “Langas į ateitį” hosted the meeting.

The meeting was the kick-off of the very important Work Package No. 4 – the foundation and operation of four CybARverse Academies in each partner country. During two productive days in November, partners engaged in fruitful discussions about the future CybARverse academies and decided the next steps to be taken.

4. What CybARverse Academies will offer?

The CybARverse Academies will be established with a goal to improve digital skills among VET teachers and trainers in the field of cybersecurity.

Social engineering, Phishing, Malware, Rootkit, IoT attacks, DDOS attacks – are just a sample of cybersecurity training themes the Academies will offer.  In total   are being developed by project partners. To make the training more attractive, the content will also be available using AR and/or VR glasses.

Download in PDF

1. Introduction: What is CybARverse?

CybARverse is a strategic partnership project funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. Digital literacy along with a responsible and safe use of technology is promoted by the Digital Education Action Plan (Action 7).

This project supports cybersecurity awareness and literacy in a more efficient way, as well as to transfer knowledge to professional competences by making use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

CybARverse aims to promote professional, personal, and digital skills among VET teachers and trainers for the field of cybersecurity, to provide a structured qualification of up to 80 VET teachers and trainers to become cybersecurity aware and literate and to ensure the sustainability of the project results. The project aims to see the creation of a CybARverse Academy.

Objectives:

• To promote professional, personal, and digital skills among VET teachers and trainers in the field of cybersecurity
• To incorporate modern and immersive technologies into VET cybersecurity training
• Structured qualification of up to 80 VET teachers and trainers to become cybersecurity aware and literate
• To ensure the sustainability of the project results

2. Website

The website of the CybARverse has been launched!

The website showcases the contributions of all five partners involved in the CybARverse project and their respective roles within the tech industry. Additionally, it provides comprehensive details regarding the 10-week cybersecurity course designed specifically for VET trainers.

Visit now on www.cybarverse.eu and be part of this community and connect with like-minded professionals by visiting our website today!

3. What are the Qualification needs among VET Teachers and Trainers?

During May and June 2023, a survey was carried out to determine the qualification needs among VET and non-VET teachers and trainers concerning technical and pedagogical needs to integrate digital media and cybersecurity training into existing teaching and learning environments. This served as the second level validation of the CybARverse qualification concept.

The creation of the survey follows a session review of the 14 evaluators recommendations for the improvement of the project during the first transnational meeting held in Malta. In this regard, a qualification concept was developed, to which then, these Pedagogical guidelines will lead up to the 16 cybersecurity matrices and scenarios.

Following the surveys, each partner has conducted five interviews with experts in their respective local fields. These interviews have brought further insights in the field of AR and VR technology, and Cybersecurity from leading professionals.

4. Calendar of Events

 25 & 26 January 2023

1^st Transnational Partners Meeting in Malta hosted by Tech.mt

18 – 19 July 2023

Second Transnational Project Meeting in Limassol, Cyprus 

2nd physical meeting for the #cybarverse #ErasmusPlus project in Limassol

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our 2nd physical meeting for the #cybarverse #ErasmusPlus project!

Partners from Lithuania, Romania, and Malta gathered in the beautiful city of Limassol, at SCP – School of Certified Professionals premises, to discuss the progress of our exciting project.

During these two productive days, we engaged in fruitful discussions about the development of lesson plans, bringing augmented reality and virtual reality experiences into education.

But that’s not all! Our host, SCP academy, opened the doors to their innovation lab. Partners had an amazing opportunity to try out the cutting-edge VR and AR glasses that will be incorporated into the lesson plans.

The hands-on experience left everyone inspired and eager to incorporate these technologies into our educational programs.

 

GREEK TRANSLATION

2η φυσική συνάντηση για το πρόγραμμα cybarverse ErasmusPlus στη Λεμεσό

Με μεγάλη χαρά ανακοινώνουμε την επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση της 2ης φυσικής συνάντησης για το έργο #cybarverse #ErasmusPlus!

Εταίροι από τη Λιθουανία, τη Ρουμανία και τη Μάλτα συγκεντρώθηκαν στην όμορφη πόλη της Λεμεσού, στις εγκαταστάσεις της SCP – School of Certified Professionals, για να συζητήσουν την πρόοδο του έργου.

Κατά τη διάρκεια αυτών των δύο παραγωγικών ημερών, εμπλακήκαμε σε συζητήσεις σχετικά με την ανάπτυξη σχεδίων μαθημάτων, φέρνοντας εμπειρίες επαυξημένης και εικονικής πραγματικότητας στην εκπαίδευση.

Αλλά δεν είναι μόνο αυτό! Ο οικοδεσπότης μας, η ακαδημία SCP, άνοιξε τις πόρτες του εργαστηρίου καινοτομίας της. Οι εταίροι είχαν μια καταπληκτική ευκαιρία να δοκιμάσουν τα γυαλιά VR και AR τελευταίας τεχνολογίας που θα ενσωματωθούν στα σχέδια μαθημάτων.

Η πρακτική εμπειρία μας ενέπνευσε όλους και μας έκανε να ανυπομονούμε να ενσωματώσουμε αυτές τις τεχνολογίες στα εκπαιδευτικά μας προγράμματα.

As a VET trainer, you play a crucial role in educating and preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and frequent, it is important for you to promote cybersecurity awareness among your students. In this blog, we will discuss some key points that you can use to raise cybersecurity awareness among VET students.

Start with the basics: Cybersecurity is about protecting computers, servers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or theft. As a VET trainer, it is important to start with the basics and explain what cybersecurity is, why it is important, and how it affects everyone. Encourage your students to use strong passwords, keep their software and devices up-to-date, and never share their personal or sensitive information with anyone online.

Understand the risks: Cybersecurity threats come in various forms, including phishing emails, malware, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. It is essential for VET students to understand the risks associated with each type of threat and how they can protect themselves. Explain to them the importance of being vigilant and identifying suspicious activities, such as unexpected emails, pop-ups, or messages from unknown sources.

Practice safe online behavior: VET students should be aware of the consequences of their actions online. Encourage them to practice safe online behavior, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown software, and to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. Teach them the importance of using secure websites (HTTPS) and avoiding public computers for sensitive tasks like online banking.

Keep learning: Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it is important for VET students to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and threats. Encourage them to attend cybersecurity events, workshops, and training sessions to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. Also, remind them to keep their software and devices up-to-date, and to apply security patches and updates as soon as they become available.

Promote a culture of cybersecurity: Lastly, it is important to promote a culture of cybersecurity among VET students. Encourage them to be proactive and report any suspicious activities to their IT department or supervisor. Remind them that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and that they can play a critical role in protecting their organization from cyber threats.