European Cybersecurity Month 2025: Empowering citizens to create a safer digital future
Exploring the role of open data in strengthening cybersecurity across EU public institutions during the European Cybersecurity Month 2025
October marks the start of the annual European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM), the EU’s awareness campaign coordinated by ENISA and the European Commission.
This year, with the theme ‘Think before you click’, the ECSM highlights the importance of protecting against cyber threats through digital resilience. Citizens are invited to participate in webinars and interactive sessions, both locally and internationally, to learn about topics including phishing and secure data handling. The campaign also provides free educational materials through the ECSM portal, which helps institutions strengthen their awareness of cybersecurity.
The strategic role of open data in cybersecurity is also a key focus during this month. Platforms like the European Data Portal enable public institutions to share anonymised datasets that support threat detection, policy development, and cross-border collaboration. While open data does help in fostering transparency and innovation, it also demands a robust safeguard to prevent misuse and ensure data integrity, which is why the European Commission continues to explore best practices for balancing openness with protection.
As the ECSM unfolds, citizens are encouraged to take action. Make sure to review your cybersecurity policies and understand how open data can enhance your digital security.
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