Enhancing Security Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Virtualized Learning Approaches in the Study of Hybrid Threats
Ilkka Tikanmäki, Harri Ruoslahti · 2024
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a hybrid threat study unit conducted at a higher education institution (Laurea University of Applied Sciences) during the autumn of 2023 was effective. The course was designed to provide safety, security, risk management, and business information technology (cybersecurity) students with the essential skills to recognize and prevent hybrid threats. Throughout a period of 12 weeks, leading experts in the field delivered virtual lectures that were broken down into five modules using a multisensory learning approach with diverse materials. Students' ability to comprehend and address hybrid threats is investigated in this research using virtualized lectures, multisensory learning, and a structured module-based framework. The findings aim to offer insights to optimize the design of future educational programs in the field of security and risk management and provide practical input to Horizon-funded Collaborative, Multi-modal and Agile Professional Cybersecurity Training Program for a Skilled Workforce In the European Digital Single Market and Industries (CyberSecPro) and Dynamic Resilience Assessment Method including combined Business Continuity Management and Cyber Threat Intelligence solution for Critical Sectors (DYNAMO) projects. Virtualized lectures, multisensory learning, and a structured module-based approach were examined in the study to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid threats study unit and what insights can be gained from it for the design of future security and risk management training programs. The research question of this study is: How can structured module-based approaches of virtualized lectures impact the effectiveness of a study unit on hybrid threats?