BEiNG WISE

Litochoro, Greece

Venue: Litochoro City Hall, Agiou Nikolaou 15, Litochoro, 60200, Greece

The COST Action CA22104  BEiNG-WISE, is pleased in launching the CALL for trainees for the Training School titled: Cybersecurity and Human Factors from an Industrial and Ethical Perspective.

This  training school aims to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity through the dual lens of human factors and ethical considerations, with a strong emphasis on practical relevance to industry. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and deeply embedded in the daily operations of industrial systems, there is an urgent need for cybersecurity approaches that not only prioritize technical robustness but also incorporate a nuanced understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and ethical responsibility. This school is designed to address this need by equipping  candidates with the knowledge, analytical tools, and interdisciplinary perspectives necessary to develop, deploy, and manage secure digital environments that are resilient, user-centric, and ethically sound.

One of the central goals is to critically examine the human factor as both a vulnerability and a vital line of defense in cybersecurity. Participants will investigate how human behavior, decision-making, and organizational culture influence the effectiveness of security strategies, particularly in complex industrial settings such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure. Through discussions and case studies, the school will explore topics such as user awareness and training, human error, social engineering, and the design of user-friendly and secure systems. Emphasis will also be placed on aligning cybersecurity practices with ergonomic and psychological principles to ensure that technologies support rather than hinder human performance.

Equally important is the school’s focus on the ethical dimensions of cybersecurity. As digital systems become increasingly pervasive and capable of autonomous decision-making, the ethical implications of security measures—such as surveillance, data collection, algorithmic bias, and decision transparency—must be considered. The school will provide a platform for exploring how ethical theories and frameworks can be integrated into cybersecurity design and policy. Participants will analyze real-world dilemmas and examine how ethical considerations can guide responsible innovation, data governance, and privacy protection.

A further goal of the training school is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial practice. The program will engage participants in understanding how cybersecurity challenges manifest in real-world industrial contexts and how human and ethical factors are addressed—or sometimes overlooked—in practice. Through interaction with industry experts, joint exercises, and applied research discussions,  candidates will learn how to translate theoretical insights into actionable strategies that are feasible and impactful in industrial environments. Particular attention will be given to emerging technologies such as cyber-physical systems, industrial IoT, AI-driven decision systems, and smart infrastructures, examining their unique vulnerabilities and human-centric mitigation strategies.

Another key objective is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and research capacity building. Cybersecurity today spans technical, social, psychological, legal, and ethical domains. By bringing together  students from diverse disciplines—including computer science, engineering, psychology, ethics, law, and management—the school seeks to cultivate a holistic approach to cybersecurity challenges. This interdisciplinary perspective is vital for developing comprehensive security solutions that take into account not only technological requirements but also human values, behaviors, and organizational structures.

By the end of the training school, participants will have developed a critical and integrative understanding of cybersecurity from human and ethical perspectives. They will be better prepared to address the socio-technical complexities of cybersecurity in industry, contribute to the design of secure and user-aware systems, and promote ethical digital transformation. Ultimately, this school aims to inspire a new generation of researchers and professionals who can shape a cybersecurity culture that is secure, inclusive, transparent, and aligned with societal values.

---

There are several main specific objectives of BEiNG-WISE COST Action and the Training School:

• Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds, including doctoral students, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals. By fostering collaboration, the training program aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster innovative thinking, and inspire cross-sector partnerships.
• Develop Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Enhance participants’ analytical and critical thinking skills by engaging them in discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions. The program aims to empower participants to evaluate the social, economic, ethical, and policy dimensions of cybersecurity and develop informed perspectives.
• Equip Participants with Practical Knowledge and Tools: Provide participants with practical knowledge and tools that enable them to navigate the complex  landscape of cybersecurity in wireless networks. This includes understanding policy frameworks, leveraging emerging technologies, and developing skills and capabilities relevant to the digital era.
• Facilitate Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Create a conducive environment for networking and collaboration among participants, guest speakers, and experts in the field. The program intends to foster connections leading to future research collaborations, joint projects, and professional development opportunities in the digitalization domain.
  By achieving these goals, the training school aspires to empower participants to become well-rounded scholars and practitioners who can contribute to advancing policies, technologies, and challenges for cybersecurity in wireless networks.

Training School co-Chairs:

Periklis Chatzimisios, International Hellenic University, Greece & University of New Mexico, USA
Eirini Kanaki, Z-RED L.P., Greece
Ivan Chorbev, Training Coordinator, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia
Valeria Loscri, BEiNGE-WISE Action Chair, INRIA, France

The BEiNG-WISE Training School is a multidisciplinary event open to professionals, researchers, and Ph.D. students with a professional interest in the topic. Any interested applicant must complete the Application Form.

Criteria for selected trainees

Applicants shall be engaged in an official research program as a PhD student or postdoctoral fellow or can be employed by, or affiliated to, an institution, organization, or legal entity which has within its remit a clear association with the topics of the COST Action. Moreover, undergraduate and graduate students will be taken into consideration.

Trainees eligible for reimbursement are from COST Full Member Countries, COST Near Neighbor Countries (NNC) or Approved European RTD Organizations.

The selected international applicants (trainees) will benefit from a Trainee Grant to participate in the activities of the Training School @August 27-29, 2025. This grant is expected to cover the long-distance travel expenses (by train, ferry, bus, plane, or car). Furthermore, the international trainees will receive a daily allowance, which is expected to cover the accommodation in Litochoro, meals and local transportation. Each application will be individually evaluated along with the total grant awarded for the 3 days.

The selected applicants (trainees) from Greece will benefit from a Trainee Grant to participate in the activities of the Training School based on the distance to and from Litohoto and the accommodation needs. This grant will be individually discussed and agreed.

Selected trainees shall create an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu  including bank details prior to accepting their e-COST invitation. They shall submit via e-COST a completed online travel reimbursement request within 30 calendar days after the end date of the approved activity.

We are excited that you are part of this program and at the opportunities it will provide to you!

The training will revolve around the following topics:

• Human Error and Decision-Making in Cybersecurity Incidents: Understanding how cognitive biases, stress, and situational factors affect cybersecurity-related decisions.
• Designing User-Centric Security Interfaces in Industrial Systems: Exploring principles of usability and ergonomics in secure system design for operational technologies (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS).
• Social Engineering and Psychological Manipulation Tactics: Analyzing real-world examples of social engineering attacks and strategies to improve human resilience against manipulation.
• Ethical Frameworks for Cybersecurity Practice: Applying ethical theories to guide decisions in surveillance, AI-based monitoring, and responsible disclosure.
• Privacy-by-Design in Industrial Contexts: Embedding privacy and data protection into industrial systems, with case studies from sectors like energy and manufacturing.
• The Role of Organizational Culture in Cybersecurity Resilience: Examining how leadership, communication, and training shape collective security behaviors in industrial environments.
• Cybersecurity Risk Management from an Ethical Perspective: Balancing risk, innovation, and ethical responsibility in industrial cybersecurity policy and strategy.
• Security Challenges in Human-AI Collaboration: Exploring trust, transparency, and explainability in AI-driven decision systems used in industrial operations.
• Regulatory and Legal Dimensions of Industrial Cybersecurity: Understanding GDPR, NIS2, and other regulations relevant to ethical and human-centric cybersecurity.
• Industrial Case Studies and Simulations: Hands-on analysis and group work based on real incidents and simulated environments that require multidisciplinary solutions.

In an era defined by rapid industrial digitalization and interconnected systems, the training school is dedicated to exploring the complex relationship between cybersecurity, human behavior, and ethical responsibility in real-world industrial environments. This school is designed to equip participants with interdisciplinary insights into how human factors—ranging from user behavior and cognitive limitations to organizational culture and social engineering—play a pivotal role in both the vulnerabilities and defenses of industrial cybersecurity systems. As industrial sectors increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, automation, and connected devices, it becomes essential to ensure that cybersecurity strategies are not only technically sound but also usable, trustworthy, and ethically grounded.

The program will investigate how human-centric design can mitigate risks introduced by user error, miscommunication, and poor system usability. It will delve into the socio-technical dynamics that influence cybersecurity outcomes, including the role of employee awareness, decision-making under pressure, and cross-functional coordination. Participants will also explore the ethical implications of cybersecurity measures—such as surveillance, data governance, and automated threat responses—within industrial and organizational contexts. By examining real-world case studies and engaging in applied workshops, attendees will gain the tools to develop cybersecurity solutions that are technically effective, socially responsible, and aligned with the ethical standards and operational realities of modern industry. By the conclusion of the school, participants will be empowered to contribute to the development of secure, human-aware, and ethically sound cybersecurity practices across a wide range of industrial domains.

Central to the training school’s success are the trainers  – an exceptional group of scholars, researchers, and industry professionals who bring unparalleled expertise and experience to the classroom. Committed to excellence in teaching and research, the trainers will serve as mentors, guides, and collaborators, nurturing the intellectual growth and professional development of the trainees.

The school will foster a culture of innovation and inquiry, where trainees have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research topics, collaborate with peers and faculty, and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of cybersecurity knowledge. From empirical studies on human factors in wireless security to theoretical investigations of optimal security approaches, the school will discuss a range of topics.

The training school is more than just an educational session – it should be a vibrant community of scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders united by a shared commitment to excellence in cybersecurity. Through collaboration, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the school will foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that enriches the educational experience and extends beyond the classroom.

• Applications opened: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
• Applications submission deadline: Monday, July 14, 2025
• Confirmation to the selected trainees: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
• Deadline for e-COST registration and confirmation: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Training School days: August 27-29, 2025