HackShield and CISO Community Nederland join forces to strengthen digital resilience

A first joint step will take place during CISODAY on May 21, where HackShield will present its approach to CISOs and other security leaders. Attendees will be encouraged to sign up as supporters.

HackShield’s platform is a so-called serious game for children aged 7 to 12, in which they learn to navigate online risks and challenges. Not by focusing on fear, but by building insight and self-confidence. Through relatable scenarios, children develop the skills to make informed choices in the digital world and learn to recognize phishing, online fraud, and disinformation.

What sets HackShield apart is the way its approach connects with children’s everyday lives. At home, they play the game independently. At school, they collaborate on "class quests" as part of the curriculum, and in libraries, they engage in interactive assignments such as augmented-reality quests on disinformation. By being present in places where children already go, Hackshield's approach ensures that digital resilience becomes not an abstract concept but a familiar part of their daily lives.

The foundation adheres to clear principles: the program is free, contains no marketing aimed at children, and does not sell data. The focus is entirely on social impact and the best interests of the child. Broad accessibility ensures that not just a select group, but all children have the opportunity to grow up digitally literate. This helps bridge the digital divide.

A key element of the approach is the active role of the children themselves. They are trained as “Junior Cyber Agents” and take their knowledge home with them. By helping parents, grandparents, and friends become more vigilant, a ripple effect is created, through which children contribute to a safer digital environment.

The impact of this approach is growing rapidly. In 2025, more than 200,000 new students began using HackShield, bringing the total reach to approximately 800,000 children. At the same time, the program was expanded through schools, municipalities, and partners. Furthermore, the foundation is expanding its activities to other target groups, including seniors and residents of vulnerable neighborhoods.

For the CISO Community Nederland, this collaboration aligns with a broader ambition: to approach cybersecurity not only as a technical issue but also as a social issue. The community brings together cybersecurity leaders to share knowledge and advance the field, and views education as an essential component of long-term digital resilience.

By joining forces, HackShield and CISO Community Nederland are bridging the gap between education and practice. While HackShield reaches and inspires children, the community can offer expertise and role models. This creates a collaborative approach that brings together awareness, education, and talent development, with the end goal of fostering a digitally resilient generation and society.

Want to attend CISODAY? Cyber professionals can register here.