Over the years, Estonians’ awareness of cyber threats has generally increased. According to Statistics Estonia, fewer than 10% of people have taken no steps to protect themselves online. Nearly three-quarters of internet users carefully scrutinise emails and messages from unknown senders, and a solid 70% follow the advice to use strong, unique passwords across different websites.
Not all progress is positive
Despite this encouraging trend, some concerns remain.
While 16–24-year-olds often check the credibility of service providers or companies they interact with, their use of other good practices – such as strengthening passwords, adjusting security settings or using antivirus software – has declined.
Previous studies commissioned by the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) have revealed that many individuals overly trust their critical thinking skills online and believe they are unlikely to become victims of a cyberattack.
This overconfidence dulls their sense of risk and leaves them more exposed to threats in the virtual world.
Workshops for older adults and campaigns for younger generations
Older adults sometimes struggle to find reliable information online. To address this, RIA partnered with BCS Koolitus to offer face-to-face cybersecurity workshops for middle-aged and older participants. These free workshops taught attendees how to identify online threats and better protect their computers and smart devices. Held in various locations across Estonia, the workshops attracted nearly 500 participants, who found the sessions highly valuable. Many attendees expressed interest in similar short courses to refresh their knowledge and skills in the future.
In October, during International Cybersecurity Month, the focus shifted to younger generations. A public awareness campaign – visible both online and on the streets – encouraged individuals to follow basic cyber hygiene rules and take the time to help their loved ones be more cautious in the digital space.
Cybersecurity Month saw a surge in related content across websites, radio, newspapers and social media.
One standout initiative was the TV series ‘IT-vaatlik’, a collection of short programmes aired on Estonian national television, featuring cybersecurity experts from RIA, the police, the Estonian Banking Association, universities and other organisations.
Topics included smart device security, fraud detection and safe remote work practices. The first 15 episodes reached nearly 200,000 viewers.
Those who missed the broadcasts can find the episodes
Guides for children and their parents
For the youngest internet users, RIA created interactive guides featuring crosswords and activities that introduce cybersecurity concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. According to Statistics Estonia, nearly half of parents monitor their under-16 children’s activities on social media, gaming platforms or other online portals. Similarly, about 50% have applied content restrictions on their child’s devices using parental control apps.
Seventy per cent of parents talk to their children about online risks and share advice on safe behaviour. While these conversations are irreplaceable, RIA released guides designed specifically for children and their parents titled ‘Safely online’ at the start of autumn. These materials are available on the prevention portal itvaatlik.ee. The first 2,000 copies of the children’s guides were quickly distributed across Estonia, with more expected soon to help vital knowledge about cyber threats reach even more families.
ITvaatlik.ee gets a fresh look and updated content
In 2024, RIA’s prevention portal itvaatlik.ee received a complete makeover to offer updated advice on cybersecurity for both individuals and organisational representatives.
The overhaul included a revamped design, improved structure and new content.
A key addition is the section ‘Common scams’, which highlights the most prevalent fraud schemes in Estonia, helping people recognise and avoid falling victim to them.
The portal also now provides guidance on what to do if a cyber scam has already targeted someone.
Other features include a user-friendly guide on reporting incidents, the accessible ‘Cybersecurity short course’, and an extensive library of RIA’s radio programmes, TV shows and videos on cybersecurity.
Last updated: 17.02.2025
