DefendEUrself
Innovative Cybersecurity Skills for Seniors
Duration: 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2027
Status: Ongoing
Total budget: 250 000 EUR
Participating organisations:
Open Education Hub (Belgium)
7HUB (Italy)
EUROPEAN EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION – IEK ALTO (Greece)
ReadLab Brussels (Belgium)
CASA DO PROFESSOR (Portugal)
ART+INN (Lithuania)
Project code: 2025-1-BE01-KA220-ADU-000350280
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Objective
DEFENDEURSELF addresses the growing cybersecurity risks faced by older adults in an increasingly digital society. As the population aged 65+ continues to rise in Europe, many seniors remain vulnerable to online fraud and scams due to limited digital literacy. The project aims to strengthen their digital resilience by providing accessible and engaging cybersecurity education. Through a combination of practical training, gamified learning methods and intergenerational collaboration, DEFENDEURSELF helps older adults recognize online threats and confidently participate in the digital world.
Activities
The DEFENDEURSELF project is structured around several key activities. First, an in-depth analysis is carried out to better understand the cybersecurity challenges faced by older adults. This includes planning and conducting data collection, developing an international report based on the findings and validating the results with relevant stakeholders. Building on this research, the project develops a dedicated training course aimed at strengthening cybersecurity skills among older adults. The course is prepared and designed by the project partners, evaluated and refined based on feedback and then implemented with the target groups. In addition, the project establishes the DEFENDEURSELF Network, which includes the development of an online platform, active engagement of relevant stakeholders and target groups and the creation of recommendations for policymakers to support safer digital participation for older adults.
Participating organisations
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Open Education Hub (Coordinator)
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Organisation develops trainings that address the current needs of young people as well as of adults who want to be trained. The experienced team aims to provide our services and support to researchers, expatriates, Phd students and anyone who may need it.
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7HUB (Partner)​
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www.cultum7hub.wixsite.com/7hub
Organisation's primary goal is to transform education through art, creativity, and non-formal learning methodologies, developing projects that promote gender equality, inclusiveness, and social entrepreneurship in Puglia. It aims to challenge entrenched gender stereotypes, address gender-based violence, and provide a platform for individual narratives.
EUROPEAN EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION – IEK ALTO (Partner)
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Organisation focuses on providing educational services characterized by quality and up-to-date knowledge, while at the same time trying to develop trainees’ skills and competences, to assist them in their effort to join the labor market. Indefeasible part of their philosophy is to support the inclusion of all trainees, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or ability.
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ReadLab Brussels (Belgium)
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www.extor-project.eu/readlab-brussels/
ReadLab Brussels is a research, development and policy analysis organisation located in the heart of Europe, Brussels. We provide technical assistance to public and private entities in a wide spectrum of fields, aiming at achieving economic and social growth and measurable impact. 
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CASA DO PROFESSOR (Portugal)
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Casa do Professor's mission is to promote cultural development, social intervention, and the professional, personal, and human growth of teachers through cultural, sporting, and recreational activities for its members and their families.
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ART+INN (Lithuania)
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Organisation’s mission is to bring the world of art and the world of science together in order to create a prosperous and sustainable synergy of innovation, creativity, and mass entrepreneurship.
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