The Fondazione Mondo Digitale is working with Microsoft as part of Programme Ambizione Italia to promote a new work alliance and a training programme on digital skills to drive employment in cybersecurity. The project involves a wide range of stakeholders in a hybrid ecosystem: enterprises, public agencies, non-profits, schools, universities, and other tertiary education institutions.
CONTEXT
Italy ranks first in Europe in terms of ransomware and macro-malware attacks, according to the data presented by Trend Micro Research (March 2022). The recent CENSIS “DeepCyber” Report points to the need to create and promote a culture of cybersecurity amongst Italians. In fact, notwithstanding that 81.7% of interviewees declare they do not fear cyberattacks, more than a third of them does nothing to protect their devices and only one out of every four has a clear concept of cybersecurity. Only 40% of workers have received specific cybersecurity training.
THE CHALLENGE
Promote a culture of security as a social investment of collective interest, one that does not only concern hackers, experts, and special teams. Drive digital transformation and inclusive growth in Italy by reducing the skills gap in security. Help individuals, throughout their lives, to develop the knowledge necessary to actively participate in the digital economy and evaluate IT risks and the vulnerability of their devices.
ACTIONS
- Public awareness.-raising activities on privacy and cybersecurity
- Training programmes to reduce digital skill gaps with specific actions for youth, women and fragile workers, with fewer learning opportunities.
DURATION
June 2022 - June 2023
ACTIVITIES
- Three major events (North, South and Central Italy) in collaboration with university, trade associations, local agencies, etc. to evaluate the most urgent cybersecurity needs for the public and private sector
- Cybersecurity courses for students and fragile citizens in collaboration with local universities, public authorities, SMEs and Microsoft Academies
- “Hacker vs. Hacker” collaborative challenges amongst students
- “Job Talks” with Microsoft experts for orientation and to introduce new professional figures working in cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity course as part of the ninth edition of Coding Girls
EXPECTED RESULTS - FIGURES
- 10 alliance partners in our network
- 3 major evens with 500 participants
- 4000 citizens in training
- 500 students in collaborative challenges
- 500 students and youth in talks with professionals on cybersecurity
- 500 Coding Girls in creative challenges for “secure” programming
SCIENTIFIC PARTNER
The Rome Campus Bio-Medico University will develop four courses: a basic one for citizens, a middle-advanced one for high school and university students, and an operative one for professionals in SMEs. UCBM also participate in eh development of the coaching network with university students, PhD students and researchers. It will develop contests and challenges on cybersecurity to involve schools and universities.
