The EyesOnCS Multiplier Event in Portugal, held on December 5th, 2023, marked a significant stride in promoting cybersecurity education. Organized by Virtual Campus Lda with the support of the School of Engineering of the Porto Polytechnic, as well as the associated VET schools in Arouca and Santo Tirso, the event drew 46 participants, predominantly VET students, along with trainers and higher education students.
Conveniently scheduled at 16:00 to align with VET school schedules and facilitate travel to Porto, the event spanned three hours, concluding at 19:00. Hosted at the School of Engineering of the Porto Polytechnic, the main objective was to acquaint attendees with the project's objectives and results, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age.
The event's agenda unfolded as follows:
- 15:30 – 16:00 Registration
- 16:00 Welcome (Carlos Vaz de Carvalho, VC)
- 16:10 – 17:00 Dangers of Internet and the need for Cybersecurity (Narciso Correia, ISEP)
- 17:00 – 17:30: Current Cybersecurity approaches (António Silva, IPP)
- 17:30 – 17:45 Introduction to the EyesOnCs Project (Carlos Vaz de Carvalho, VC)
- 17:45 Coffee-break
- 18:00 – 18:45 Playing and testing the game (Ricardo Costa, Diogo Gonçalves, Pedro Bessa, VC)
- 18:45 – 19:00 Closing session
Participants had the opportunity to use their personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs, to engage with the EyesOnCS escape room game. This setup eliminated the need for a specialized laboratory and facilitated a seamless gaming experience. The game was well-received, with participants finding it both enjoyable and playable. While some faced challenges, the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
A crucial aspect of the event was the chance for participants to provide feedback on the game through a dedicated link. This interactive approach allowed for valuable insights and further improvements to the game.
Beyond the gaming experience, attendees praised the overall organization of the event and the quality of information imparted. They deemed the event highly relevant, well-structured, engaging, interactive, and effectively managed in terms of time.
The EyesOnCS Multiplier Event in Porto successfully achieved its goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity, providing a platform for learning, testing, and valuable feedback. The positive reception underscored the project's impact in fostering a proactive approach to online security among students, teachers, and trainers.