Research Project “CyberTigers: Motivation and Achievements of Girls’ Cyber Education”

An overview analysis of the data of the research project “CyberTigers: Motivation and achievements of girls’ cyber education” has been carried out, and therefore we can also share preliminary abstract.

Cybersecurity study programs often face challenges in including females. This research aimed to analyze variables that could motivate girls in the CTF Cyberacademy for Girls. The organizers implemented motivational techniques based on variables previously identified in scientific studies as effective in enhancing women’s inclusion in the cybersecurity field. The study found that most of these known variables significantly motivated the Cyberacademy participants. The variables examined included academic (organizational aspects of the program), sociocultural (perception of social and cultural elements), and psychological factors (e.g motivation levels before and after the program). The impact of these variables was compared between two groups: those who graduated and those who did not. Interestingly, not all factors that were motivating at the program’s start distinguished between the two groups. Three academic variables—the fast-paced nature of studies, the chance to undertake a final exam, and extended intervals between study sessions—were particularly motivating for graduates and less so for non-graduates. Similarly, one sociocultural variable, frequent communication with lecturers, and two psychological variables, the ability to study at one’s own pace and increased confidence in active participation in cybersecurity, were significantly motivating for graduates. In summary, this program and other cybersecurity study programs could potentially reduce dropout rates by decreasing academic demands and enhancing the community feel and accessibility of lecturer support. This research was funded by Eesti Interneti SA in 2023.