Please describe your proposed solution.
Our proposed solution is to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training program under EpochSec, with the primary focus on the blockchain ecosystem. I understand that there's an urgent need for this training within our rapidly evolving digital and crypto landscape.
Throughout the lifecycle thus far for EpochSec (since last October), I have supported many teams and individuals through specific sessions, as well as heavily supported our broad Community with valuable and timely security information. Please reference that project at the official ideascale link: <https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/64526>. (Side note: EpochSec as you know it, will continue operation without Catalyst Funding).
This training is not only unique in its content and focus, but also in its importance to the Cardano community and the broader blockchain ecosystem. It has the potential to substantially raise cyber security awareness and readiness, ultimately contributing to the overall security, trustworthiness, and success of Cardano.
This next phase, or Proposal, will address a separate, sub component of EpochSec. That is official training designed and created to support our entire community. This will come in two deliverables:
- Cyber Awareness Training for "Web2"
- Cyber Awareness Training for Blockchain (or "Web3")
- More Details:
- The currently EpochSec Site will be used and improved to facilitate hosting this training
- Each of the above training paths will encompass multiple modules. Each module will be easily navigated by anyone. It will also be designed in a way that everyone can consume at their own learning pace.
How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?
Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge by establishing a comprehensive, role-based cyber security training program tailored to the Cardano community. Here's how we aim to benefit the Cardano ecosystem:
- Building Awareness: By making this training free and accessible to everyone, we are fostering a community of daily users who are well-informed about potential threats and security best practices. This will significantly reduce the success of bad actors and scammers, leading to a safer and more secure environment for all Cardano users.
- Knowledge Sharing: As community members complete the training, they will be equipped to share this knowledge with others, leading to a 'ripple effect' of cyber security awareness. This widespread understanding will only further strengthen the overall security posture of our community.
- Future Positioning: This general training program serves as the foundational stepping stone to our long-term vision: the creation of specialized training tailored to specific roles within the Cardano ecosystem. This includes, but is not limited to, community managers, technical leaders, developers, marketing professionals, administrators, support staff, and general community members.
- Expanding the Community: This training program, with its focus on practical skills and knowledge, will attract new members to the Cardano community and strengthen the skills of existing members. This will enhance the overall robustness and resilience of the Cardano ecosystem, starting at the personal level.
To be clear: EpochSec is the MVP, or Proof, to show we can achieve this General Training.
In terms of quantifying our impact, our ultimate aim is to provide cyber security training to as many community members as possible. We foresee this initiative increasing community engagement, leading to safer transactions, and ultimately contributing to a reduction in successful cyber-attacks within the Cardano ecosystem.
How do you intend to measure the success of your project?
Metrics and KPIs to track the project's progress:
- There will be two major, easily trackable, metrics:
- The training itself, which consists of each general training for Web2 and Web3.
- The first deliverable will be the outline for each.
- The second deliverable will be the final training itself, delivered and available to all.
- In addition, we will have these following metrics:
- Using analytics, total number of users/visits and views of the trainings.
- Course Survey / Questionnaire results
- Make available, market, and deliver upon request the core course content presented in tokenized state. While this training will consist of all video and other supporting material conducive to this medium, but may exclude certain interactive materials, it is not expected to materially degrade the training value. We will make public the Policy ID and count of unique wallets this training is delivered to.
Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?
Our project dissemination plan is twofold: Outline Creation and Training Development & Delivery.
During the Outline Creation phase, we'll design a comprehensive training blueprint, which will serve as a roadmap for the training development. This crucial step ensures structured content delivery and clear learning objectives for each module.
In the Training Development & Delivery phase, we'll create and disseminate the actual training based on the approved outline. The output: a role-based cyber security training program available to the entire Cardano community.
We'll share our free and open training widely across various channels such as social media and newsletters. The knowledge acquired from this project will not only strengthen the Cardano ecosystem but will also shape the development of future, role-specific training courses. The insights gathered will also fuel our ongoing research and development efforts.
The impact: a better-informed, cyber-ready community capable of minimizing security risks, which in turn reduces the number of successful cyber attacks within the Cardano community.