Wallonia and Proximus join forces to strengthen cybersecurity for all citizens
Wallonia and Proximus today signed a partnership agreement, "Cybersecurity for All," aimed at enhancing the digital skills and online security of citizens in Wallonia. This partnership is part of the Walloon Government's Digital Wallonia strategy and builds on the network of Digital Public Spaces (DPS), key local players in digital inclusion.
In a context marked by a growing number of phishing attempts, online scams, and personal data breaches, cybersecurity has become a major societal challenge. The objective of this agreement is to enable every citizen, regardless of their level of digital proficiency, to adopt the right reflexes to protect themselves online.
The citizen barometer highlights a growing need for support
Presented today by the Agence du Numérique, the "Baromètre 2025 de maturité numérique des citoyens wallons" (a tool measuring the digital maturity of Walloon citizens) highlights a sometimes significant gap between the use of digital technologies and citizens' perception of risks, particularly in terms of cybersecurity. The barometer shows that 73% of citizens are concerned about the security of their applications and personal data online, underscoring the need to pursue and step up training and awareness initiatives.
In response to these findings, Wallonia and Proximus have decided to reinforce their collaboration through a concrete project that addresses the needs of the field.
A concrete partnership serving citizens
The partnership provides for the rollout of a structured cybersecurity training and awareness program across all 211 Digital Public Spaces in Wallonia.
The initiative is based on two complementary pillars:
- training DPS facilitators in cybersecurity fundamentals, in order to strengthen the security of their infrastructure and the protection of user data;
- raising citizens' awareness through practical sessions focused on the most common risks (phishing, identity theft, online fraud) and on good digital practices.
The program will be rolled out over two years and is expected to reach around 5,000 citizens in Wallonia.
Human support at the heart of digital inclusion
Digital Public Spaces play a key role in supporting citizens in addressing digital challenges. Present throughout Wallonia, these local centers are an essential component of digital inclusion policy. Above all, they provide human and personalized support in learning and using digital tools.
By offering these new training courses and awareness sessions, Wallonia is strengthening its efforts to promote safer and more accessible use of digital technologies for all.
Proximus NXT's expertise serving the public interest
The "Cybersecurity for All" project is designed and implemented by the teams of the Proximus Group's center of excellence in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
This initiative is carried out on a pro bono basis, as part of a broader commitment to society and digital responsibility.
Building on its experience in protecting critical infrastructure for companies and institutions, Proximus NXT is now leveraging its expertise for the direct benefit of society.
Cybersecurity is now the first line of defense for our digital society against an ever-increasing number of attacks and threats. The partnership between SPW EER and Proximus is a concrete example of the power of public-private collaboration capable of making a real difference. Educating, equipping, and protecting every citizen has become essential to countering increasingly aggressive threats.
Without trust, there can be no digital society. With "Cybersecurity for All", Proximus is putting its expertise at the service of citizens so that everyone can use digital technologies safely. This is a responsibility we fully embrace as a key digital player in Belgium.
An initiative aligned with Digital Wallonia
The "Cybersecurity for All" partnership is fully aligned with the priorities of Digital Wallonia, particularly in terms of digital skills development, cybersecurity and bridging the digital divide.
It also illustrates the key role of public private partnerships in addressing societal challenges related to digital transformation.
The "Baromètre 2025 de maturité numérique des citoyens wallons", published by the Agence du Numérique, is available at www.digitalwallonia.be/citoyens2025.
