DefendEUrself : Innovative Cybersecurity Skills for Seniors

The DefendEUrself project is a 26-month transnational initiative funded under the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-ADU), focused on bolstering the digital safety and cybersecurity literacy of older adults in Europe.

Project Overview

The project, titled Innovative Cybersecurity Skills for Seniors (Acronym: DefendEUrself), commenced on October 1, 2025, and is set to conclude on November 30, 2027. The initiative is coordinated by the Open Education Hub (OEH), based in Brussels, Belgium.

Project Context and Motivation

DefendEUrself addresses the urgent need to protect the elderly population from increasing cybersecurity threats. The project acknowledges that while approximately 17% of Europeans aged 65 and over are regular internet users, they often lack the necessary digital skills for safe navigation. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to online fraud and scams, contributing to financial loss and widening the digital divide. Furthermore, by 2024, the population aged over 65 is estimated to surpass those under 15 in the WHO European Region, emphasizing the growing importance of this demographic. The project’s primary horizontal priority is Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity. The innovative methodology includes blending traditional learning with modern gamification techniques (such as an accessible digital escape room experience) and promoting intergenerational collaboration to make the learning process engaging and memorable.

Project Objectives

The Overall Objective is to promote cybersecurity literacy and digital safety among the elderly in Europe. To achieve this, the project has four specific objectives:

1. To assess and understand the cybersecurity knowledge gaps and educational needs among the elderly in partner countries. This is to be achieved through an in-depth analysis that includes gathering 600 survey responses from elderly citizens.
2. To enhance cybersecurity skills by developing and implementing an innovative, interactive training course that is accessible and tailored to their learning capabilities. The course will comprise 21 digital micro-MOOCs.
3. To collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including technology providers and adult education institutions, to ensure the wide adoption and tailoring of educational materials to the elderly population’s unique needs.
4. To develop an online platform that will serve as a central hub for information, resources, and community engagement related to cybersecurity for the elderly across the EU.

Target Groups

The project focuses on three main groups, aiming for significant engagement across Europe:

• Primary/Direct Beneficiaries: Older Adults (45+ years old) at risk of cybersecurity threats, including elderly with disabilities, migrants, and those in remote communities.
• Secondary Target Group: Adult Education Providers (NGOs, community centers, private training providers). The project aims to engage 25 adult education providers in its activities.
• Indirect Target Groups: Young Mentors (50 individuals) involved in intergenerational learning and Local Authorities/Policymakers (5 bodies) responsible for elderly education programs.

Partner Organizations

The project is implemented by a consortium of six organizations from five EU countries:

• Open Education Hub (OEH) (Applicant/Coordinator): Belgium.
• 7HUB: Italy.
• EUROPEAN EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION (IEK ALTO): Greece.
• ReadLab Brussels: Belgium.
• CASA DO PROFESSOR (CDP): Portugal.
• Menas ir inovacijos (ART+INN): Lithuania.