As human-related cyber threats rise, strengthening digital awareness across all employee levels becomes essential. This course provides participants with practical knowledge and techniques to recognize cyber risks, apply digital hygiene practices, and build a strong culture of cybersecurity within organizations.
Course Overview Table
| Chapter | Details |
| Partner | Military Academy „General Mihailo Apostolski “, Skopje |
| Title | Cybersecurity and Digital Awareness |
| Service | Cybersecurity |
| Target Group | SMEs, Public Administration, Industry (Employees, HR, Finance, Managers) |
| Format | In-Person Training |
| Focused on Key Technologies | Cybersecurity, Digital Hygiene, Awareness |
| Status | Ready to offer |
| Stakeholders from SME/PA Side | Non-technical employees, HR departments, finance staff, managers |
| Requirements for Participation | Basic IT knowledge |
| Estimated Duration | No prior technical knowledge |
Description of the Course
Introduction
As cybercriminals increasingly target human behavior rather than technical vulnerabilities, developing cybersecurity awareness across all organizational levels is crucial. This course is specifically designed for non-technical personnel, helping participants understand key cybersecurity concepts, adopt good digital habits, and develop the ability to identify and mitigate risks.
Technical Context and Examples
Participants will review real-world incidents where lack of digital awareness led to cyber breaches. Examples include phishing attacks against employees, social engineering scams targeting HR departments, and incidents involving unsecured remote work setups.
Through interactive scenarios, simulations, and case studies, participants will learn to recognize suspicious activities, adopt best practices for email security, safe device use, and improve overall cybersecurity hygiene in day-to-day work environments.
Detailed Explanation of Core Concepts
The course covers fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and digital awareness for non-technical audiences:
- Understanding basic cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering;
- Building strong digital hygiene habits, such as secure password management and safe browsing practices;
- Recognizing and responding to phishing emails and social engineering attempts;
- Protecting devices and networks, especially during remote and hybrid work;
- Protecting personal and organizational data on social media and public platforms.
The course includes theoretical sessions, practical exercises, phishing simulations, and group discussions to ensure participants can immediately apply the knowledge in their professional environments.
Tentative agenda of the course
Module 1: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
- Common threats and risks overview
- Key terminology explained (phishing, malware, ransomware)
- Human role in cybersecurity
Module 2: Cyber Awareness and Good Digital Habits
- Digital hygiene essentials
- Recognizing risky behavior
- Best practices for password management and information protection
Module 3: Recognizing Social Engineering Attacks
- How social engineering works
- Manipulation techniques (urgency, authority, trust exploitation)
- Case studies and exercises
Module 4: Email Security and Phishing Defense
- Identifying phishing emails
- Safe handling of attachments and links
- Practical phishing email recognition exercises
Module 5: Remote and Hybrid Work Security
- Risks associated with remote work
- Securing home devices and networks
- Best practices for using cloud and collaboration platforms securely
Module 6: Practical Exercises and Simulations
- Interactive phishing simulations
- Analysis of real-world incidents
- Group discussions on recognizing vulnerabilities
Module 7: Final Exam and Feedback Session
- Practical knowledge test
- Recap of key points and feedback
- Strategies for continuous cybersecurity improvement
Conclusion and Unique Value
Upon completing the course, participants will possess the skills and knowledge needed to recognize common cyber threats, practice safe digital behavior, and contribute to the overall cybersecurity resilience of their organization. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, this training ensures that employees at all levels can act as the first line of defense against cyber threats.
Additional Course Information
| Category | Details |
| Developed skills | Participants will acquire knowledge and skills, including: |
| • Recognizing phishing and cyber scams
• Applying safe digital hygiene habits • Securing devices and networks • Responding appropriately to suspicious activities • Enhancing cybersecurity awareness |
|
| Learning Methods Used | • Lectures and theoretical lessons
• Hands-on labs and practical simulations • Group discussions and interactive scenarios |
| References/Resources | • ENISA Cyber Awareness Material
• NIST Guidelines for Cybersecurity Awareness • Real-world case studies |
| Overview Slides | / |