Project Cybersec EduCheck
The Cybersec EduCheck project is an international initiative developed by Coventry University Research Institute Europe, the Creative for Business Association (Poland), and the European Centre for Career Education (Czech Republic). Its goal is to improve cybersecurity education practices in secondary schools by investigating the students’ and teachers’ awareness and needs in the field.
The study was conducted among students and teachers from Poland (443 students, 17 teachers) and the Czech Republic (198 students, 5 teachers). It examined the level of knowledge, online behaviours, and challenges related to cybersecurity education.
Research Findings
The results indicate differences in knowledge assessment between students (3.89/5) and teachers (2.86/5). Over half of the students were unaware of basic concepts such as two-factor authentication. 61% of students spend at least four hours a day online, which negatively affects their sleep quality and mental health. One in four students has experienced cyberbullying, with many cases going unaddressed. Students use weak passwords, share them, and forget to log out, increasing the risk of security breaches.
Recommendations
The study revealed gaps in students’ knowledge and difficulties for teachers in delivering cybersecurity education. Issues such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing, and verifying sources were particularly problematic. Teachers pointed out a lack of materials, training, and time within the curriculum.
It was recommended to develop a handbook with ready-to-use lesson plans (e.g., on phishing, cyberbullying), implement interactive methods such as simulations and group projects, and incorporate cybersecurity topics into various subject areas. The key aspects relate to digital citizenship, as well as promoting responsible and ethical use of technology. The developed materials are available in three language versions: Polish, English, and Czech.
Funded by the EU. The opinions and views expressed are those of the author or the disclosure and publication of the opinions and views of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA are responsible for them.
All products that are available as part of the shared project are available under open licenses (CC BY-NC 4.0). They can be used free of charge and without restrictions. Copying or transmitting these materials in whole or in part without the author’s consent is prohibited. The use resulting from the use is the source of origin.
