Cybercation:
Cybersecurity Awareness and Collaboration in the Nordic and Baltic Regions
About Cybercation
Cybercation is an innovative initiative focused on enhancing cybersecurity awareness and fostering cross-border collaboration among the Nordic and Baltic regions. As a response to the increasing importance of cybersecurity, Cybercation is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ broader digitalization agenda.
Cybercation’s Role in Cybersecurity Skill Development
Since 2017, digitalization has been a key priority in Nordic cooperation, with cybersecurity emerging as a crucial area where ministers from the Nordic and Baltic countries work closely together. Despite being identified as a top priority, cybersecurity had not been integrated into educational curricula across the regions.
Recognizing this gap, Cybercation was established to bring together educators, policymakers, IT professionals, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and develop new solutions to make cybersecurity a prominent part of the agenda.
Focus Areas
Cybercation is characterised by a dynamic and interactive format, focusing on three main areas:
- Education and Skills Development: Cybercation equips the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. The evident arrival of AI in a form accessible to ordinary users (e.g., generative AI) has catalyzed the renewal of the existing concept of education. AI-supported education is changing how we learn by encouraging critical thinking through reflection and metathinking. Our experience has already shown that using AI brings new opportunities and risks, especially in terms of different aspects of security. Therefore, this topic block introduces lines of thought regarding the prospects for the near future regarding AI-integrated education.
- Ethics and Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity: This session will look into how White Hat Hacking (also known as ethical hacking) is and should be regulated, and how this should be effectively and critically communicated to the youth. The panellists will be highlighting the importance of addressing ethical and legal issues in cybersecurity, which are increasingly relevant as digital threats evolve.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: A significant part of Cybercation’s mission is to facilitate cross-border cooperation among Nordic and Baltic countries. The think tank session is designed to generate innovative solutions that can be implemented across borders, discussing how we could try to bridge the skills gap together, and be inspired on how we together can build a more resilient cyber ecosystem across Nordic and Baltic borders.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its successes, Cybercation has faced several challenges. One major challenge has been attracting teachers to participate in Cybercation events. Teachers often feel overwhelmed with their existing responsibilities, making it difficult to commit to additional training or conferences.
Another challenge has been engaging stakeholders outside the immediate field of cybersecurity. While those already familiar with the topic understand its importance, expanding the conversation to include sectors not traditionally associated with cybersecurity has proven difficult.
Cybercation’s Impact on Curricula Across Regions
Despite these challenges, Cybercation has achieved notable successes. Educators who participated in Cybercation have integrated insights gained from the event into their teaching practices. This has led to the development of specialized learning programs that better prepare students for the challenges of cybersecurity.
“By working together, smaller countries can pool their resources and expertise to build a stronger collective defence against cyber threats.“
Advice for Global Regions: Cooperation Over Competition in Cybersecurity
The challenges in the cybersecurity field require a collaborative approach to be effectively addressed. By working together, smaller countries can pool their resources and expertise to build a stronger collective defence against cyber threats.
Cybercation is a prime example of how regional cooperation can drive progress in critical areas like cybersecurity. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the initiative not only raises awareness but also fosters practical solutions that benefit all participating countries.
Learn More about CYBERCATION
To learn more about Cybercation and how the event is facilitated, visit their website: Cybercation 2024.The forum was organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ office in Estonia and CTF Tech. The event is free and open for everyone who is interested. Register for the event here.
Contact Person
Grete Kodi
Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Estonia, Advisor