In an increasingly digital world, the importance of cyber safety education cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, Acronis is proud to have launched its first CSR project in Italy, expanding its mission within the country. We delivered crucial workshops to students at I.I.S. Eugenio Montale – Parco Nord in Cinisello Balsamo, empowering young minds with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online landscape safely and responsibly. Through these three impactful sessions, we reinforced our commitment to fostering a safer digital future, extending our reach to more communities across Europe.
“Kids today are constantly online, but many don’t realize the risks they face. That’s why, through the Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, we run free school workshops to teach essential cybersecurity skills—how to protect personal information, recognize online threats, and use technology safely,” says Gilberto Bonutti, Sr. Strategic Account Manager at Acronis. “We are committed to supporting our community by helping young people build smart online habits. This workshop is a great opportunity to empower students, and we look forward to continuing similar initiatives in the future.”
Building a foundation for digital literacy
On February 13th, Gilberto and Partner Technology Evangelist at Acronis Francisco Amadi kicked off the initiative with two workshops tailored for 14-15-year-old students. With approximately 80 enthusiastic participants, the sessions delved into the fundamentals of cyber safety. Students learned the importance of creating strong passwords, navigating social media safely, understanding the impact of cyberbullying, and recognizing the lasting effects of their digital footprints on their reputation and future opportunities. Crucial topics like fake news and phishing were also addressed, arming students with the tools to discern truth from deception online.
The momentum continued on February 24th with a workshop designed for 16- to 18-year-old students. Attended by over 40 participants, this session built upon foundational knowledge by covering advanced topics in cyber safety. Students reinforced their understanding of essential security practices, such as creating strong passwords and using two-factor authentication to protect their social media accounts. The discussion then delved into the dangers of online threats, including phishing and malware, equipping students with strategies to recognize and mitigate risks. Finally, the workshop explored emerging technologies, examining the impact of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the challenges posed by information bubbles in shaping online experiences.
Voices of impact: students and parents speak out
One of the students shared his positive experience, highlighting the practical knowledge gained: “What struck me the most was realizing that social media is not just about what we see, but also about what others see beyond the screen. Social platforms are powerful tools for expressing emotions and sharing moments, but it’s crucial to always be aware of who is watching. The key takeaway for me was understanding how to use them wisely—choosing the right settings, protecting personal information, and ensuring a safe and thoughtful online presence.”
Similarly, a parent of one of the students expressed his gratitude for the valuable insights provided to their students: “This training was truly valuable because it helped build awareness about the responsible use of social media and digital tools, fostering a culture of cyber safety at a crucial stage in students’ lives. As they navigate adolescence and prepare for their future careers, such educational initiatives provide essential knowledge and highlight important aspects of online security that are often overlooked. I highly recommend this program because it promotes positive information. Too often, the news focuses on cyberbullying or cyberattacks, making it equally important to highlight initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen digital awareness, and contribute to a more secure and informed society.”
Community commitment
The significance of this initiative was further emphasized by the visit of Giacomo Giovanni Ghilardi, the Mayor of Cinisello Balsamo, during the February 24th workshop. He highlighted the critical need for online safety education for students, stating, “Young people today are more connected than ever, but many don’t fully understand the risks they face online. Cybersecurity education is essential to help them recognize threats, protect their personal information, and use technology responsibly. This workshop is a great initiative by Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, giving students the fundamental skills and awareness they need to navigate the digital world safely.”
Mayor Ghilardi also confirmed the city’s commitment to expanding cybersecurity education, “Yes, we’ve already been working to promote online safety, and this initiative with Acronis Cyber Foundation Program strengthens that commitment. Cybersecurity awareness is vital for everyone, and we want to keep expanding these programs, collaborating with schools, families, and local organizations to ensure more people have access to the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe online.” He also emphasized the importance of extending this education to other vulnerable groups, in addition to children.
“The training in schools is fundamental to safeguard children from digital tools that today also attack their emotional aspect. The school has the duty to intervene and train, offering necessary support,” says Maria Gabriella Fumagalli, Councilor for Education of the municipality of Cinisello Balsamo. “But it is equally essential to extend this opportunity to all age groups. Cybersecurity education is crucial to help young people recognize online risks and protect their data, but also to support the elderly and vulnerable groups, often more exposed to scams and cyberattacks. Collaborating with schools and communities is the key to a safer digital society.”
Looking ahead: continued commitment to a safer digital world
Acronis’s inaugural CSR project in Italy marks the beginning of a sustained effort to promote cyber safety awareness. By empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely, Acronis is contributing to a more secure and responsible online future. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts between technology companies, educational institutions, and local communities in addressing the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.
