Building Ireland's Cyber Citizens: Creating a National Pipeline from Early Cyber Literacy to Cybersecurity Research and Careers

Cybersecurity is often viewed as a technical challenge requiring stronger systems, networks, and infrastructure. However, as cyber threats, artificial intelligence (AI), online misinformation, and social engineering become increasingly sophisticated, building a secure and resilient digital society requires more than technology alone. It requires citizens who possess the knowledge, skills, values, and critical awareness needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. This presentation explores how the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education is addressing this challenge through a national approach to cyber resilience education that spans the educational lifecycle from childhood to higher education, research, and professional practice.

Drawing on the Research Ireland Discover-funded Cyber Citizens initiative, the presentation will introduce the concept of cyber citizenship and explore how it extends beyond traditional notions of citizenship and digital citizenship. While digital citizenship focuses on safe, ethical, and responsible technology use, cyber citizenship emphasises the active role individuals play in creating secure, resilient, and trustworthy digital environments. It highlights the importance of understanding cybersecurity, AI, privacy, digital trust, misinformation, and the societal implications of emerging technologies. The initiative responds to a growing need for stronger cybersecurity awareness and digital resilience across society, particularly in relation to cyber hygiene, social engineering, privacy awareness, and recognising and responding to online risks.

The presentation will showcase how the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education has developed an age- and stage-appropriate ecosystem of learning opportunities that effectively bridges “ABC to PhD” cybersecurity education. Beginning with primary-aged learners through initiatives such as Cyber Sense, children are introduced to concepts of online safety, privacy, AI awareness, and responsible digital participation. At post-primary level, students engage in immersive and experiential learning opportunities that develop cyber awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These experiences create pathways into undergraduate and postgraduate study while fostering positive attitudes towards cybersecurity and digital careers.

A key feature of this ecosystem is the Adventures in Cyberland Awards, which celebrate the achievements of aspiring young cyber citizens and recognise excellence in cyber resilience learning. The awards provide opportunities for young people to engage directly with cybersecurity researchers, university academics, industry professionals, and policymakers, helping to demystify cybersecurity careers and create meaningful connections between education, research, and practice. Through these engagements, students gain access to role models, mentoring opportunities, and authentic insights into future study and career pathways.

The presentation will also reflect on lessons learned from building partnerships across schools, higher education institutions, research centres, industry, and government agencies. It will demonstrate how a coordinated national approach can strengthen cybersecurity capacity while simultaneously promoting digital inclusion, public trust, and responsible engagement with emerging technologies.

As Ireland seeks to address growing cybersecurity skills demands and strengthen national cyber resilience, the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education offers a model for connecting research, education, and public engagement. By developing cyber citizens from an early age and creating pathways into advanced study and careers, this work contributes not only to workforce development but also to a more secure, informed, and resilient digital society.