Tula Region Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Initiative to Strengthen Digital Literacy
The Ministry of Digital Development of the Tula Region is launching an infotainment cybersecurity project designed to improve residents’ digital literacy through educational and interactive content focused on safe online behavior.
Building Cyber Hygiene Skills
The initiative is designed to build foundational cyber hygiene skills, teach residents to recognize digital threats, and encourage the safe use of online services. Rather than delivering a traditional lecture-based awareness campaign, the program uses interactive formats to make the material more accessible across age groups.
This regional effort targets residents of the Tula Region and represents a step within the region’s broader digital transformation and information security strategy. For individuals, it raises awareness of internet threats and helps protect data and personal assets. For the region, it strengthens digital literacy as part of development programs. At the national level, the initiative aligns with broader digital economy and information security objectives, though its long-term impact will depend on execution quality and sustained engagement.
A Model for Other Regions
The project could be integrated into school curricula and community-based digital safety programs. By engaging parents and older generations, it has the potential to expand reach beyond students and contribute to reducing online fraud through preventive education. The chosen format – interactive and entertainment-based materials – increases engagement compared with traditional lecture formats.
In its current form, the initiative is regionally focused and does not have direct export potential. However, if proven effective, its methodology and content could serve as a model for other regions and be incorporated into federal cybersecurity education initiatives. This approach aligns with national awareness campaigns such as Tsifrovoy likbez (Digital Literacy Campaign) and school-based cybersecurity lessons aimed at improving digital literacy across the country.
Cybersecurity Education in the Tula Region
The Tula Region has already implemented broader cybersecurity programs focused on developing digital skills among school students. The regional Ministry of Digital Development has also launched a portal aggregating common fraud schemes, defensive measures, and practical cyber hygiene guidance. Updated information is available at help.tularegion.ru.
At the end of 2025, authorities announced the launch of a vulnerability discovery program. Independent researchers on the BI.ZONE BugBounty platform will assess the security posture of three state information systems – the regional government website, the website of the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, and the portal of the Tula Regional Government’s corporate university. Compensation will depend on the severity of discovered vulnerabilities.
On February 3, 2026, Gymnasium No. 30 in Tula hosted a Urok tsifry (Digital Lesson) focused on the topic “Kiberbezopasnost v kosmose” (Cybersecurity in Space). The session was led by Regional Minister of Digital Development and Communications Vitaly Prokudin, Deputy Minister of Education Sergey Minaev, and Kaspersky Lab expert Alexey Pankratov. The emphasis was placed on practical digital hygiene rules and information protection principles applicable not only to the space industry but also to everyday life.
On February 2, 2026, a new season of the nationwide educational initiative Tsifrovoy likbez (Digital Literacy Campaign) began. The program helps children and adults strengthen digital literacy and learn about cybersecurity risks. Experts from the charitable foundation Vklad v budushchee (Contribution to the Future) prepared three educational videos: “Learn Honestly,” “Smart Benefit,” and “Dropperstvo: What It Is and Why It Is Dangerous.” Each video includes methodological materials designed to help students understand safe online behavior. The content is intended for children aged six and older and is recommended for family or classroom viewing. Educational materials will remain available on the Tsifrovoy likbez project website until March 1.
Raising Digital Maturity
The initiative functions as both a preventive and educational measure. By reducing exposure to online fraud and strengthening overall digital competence, it benefits everyday internet users, particularly children, parents, and elderly residents. Regional educational and social institutions stand to gain from higher levels of digital awareness, while businesses may benefit indirectly from more digitally mature customers and employees.
In the future, organizers expect to expand the thematic scope to include personal data protection and two-factor authentication methods, integrate the format more deeply into school curricula, and adapt content to different demographic groups.
