Microsoft and the Basque Government have formalized a collaboration agreement focused on cybersecurity and digital education for children and young people. This agreement has been signed by Josu Iñaki Erkoreka Gervasio, First Deputy and Minister of Security of the Basque Government, and Alberto Granados, President of Microsoft Spain.
The alliance, officially announced today, aims to raise awareness among the children and youth population in Euskadi about cybersecurity through training, development, and improvement of the digital skills of the project team from the Ertzaintza, “Prevention through Communication.” Microsoft is committed to providing the necessary resources to enhance the work of information and awareness about online security directed at students in educational centers in Euskadi. This joint effort seeks to ensure that Basque society, especially students, adopt best cybersecurity practices and become “cyber-intelligent” users.
During the signing ceremony, Alberto Granados and Josu Erkoreka shared that “training in digital skills and awareness help ensure the digital security of a vulnerable population such as children and young people. Public-private collaboration, like this agreement we are signing today, is key to promoting this training for citizens and helping families and education professionals raise awareness to protect themselves in the current digital environment and improve the cyber care of children and young people.”
Online Risk Among Children and Adolescents
Generative AI is within reach of anyone with internet access, and cybercriminals have also put it to work in their favor, leading to much more developed and sophisticated attacks. Microsoft’s Global Online Safety Report reveals significant data, such as 69% of people experiencing some online risk during 2023, a percentage that rises to 74% for adolescents. Misinformation, fake news, cyberbullying, hate speech, and threats of violence are the most common risks.
Younger individuals access content in multiple ways: through learning tools, communication apps, search engines, or social networks. Each of these platforms is a potential vulnerability to their online security. Student audiences need digital literacy skills to help determine which links are safe and reliable as they explore and navigate the internet. It is a top priority for the Basque Government and the Ertzaintza project, “Prevention through Communication,” which helps children and adolescents improve their digital security.
It is important for students to understand that clicking on a harmful link can grant access to their device, lock it, or steal private information.
Thanks to the agreement signed with the Basque Government, Microsoft will provide guidance on improving the effectiveness of prevention and communication programs they have in place, as well as tools and technologies to enhance communication and collaboration between the Ertzaintza and other organizations.