Cyber Awareness Course

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kyle Wood (Widely known as Holymacaroni and EpochSec)

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

kyle@epochsec.io

Additional applicants

Andrew DeVito

ad_living@plainmail.me

@notSamWukong

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Education

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution is to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training program under EpochSec, with the primary focus on the blockchain ecosystem. I understand that there's an urgent need for this training within our rapidly evolving digital and crypto landscape.

Throughout the lifecycle thus far for EpochSec (since last October), I have supported many teams and individuals through specific sessions, as well as heavily supported our broad Community with valuable and timely security information. Please reference that project at the official ideascale link: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/64526. (Side note: EpochSec as you know it, will continue operation without Catalyst Funding).

This training is not only unique in its content and focus, but also in its importance to the Cardano community and the broader blockchain ecosystem. It has the potential to substantially raise cyber security awareness and readiness, ultimately contributing to the overall security, trustworthiness, and success of Cardano.

This next phase, or Proposal, will address a separate, sub component of EpochSec. That is official training designed and created to support our entire community. This will come in two deliverables:

• Cyber Awareness Training for "Web2"
• Cyber Awareness Training for Blockchain (or "Web3")
• More Details:
• The currently EpochSec Site will be used and improved to facilitate hosting this training
• Each of the above training paths will encompass multiple modules. Each module will be easily navigated by anyone. It will also be designed in a way that everyone can consume at their own learning pace.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge by establishing a comprehensive, role-based cyber security training program tailored to the Cardano community. Here's how we aim to benefit the Cardano ecosystem:

1. Building Awareness: By making this training free and accessible to everyone, we are fostering a community of daily users who are well-informed about potential threats and security best practices. This will significantly reduce the success of bad actors and scammers, leading to a safer and more secure environment for all Cardano users.
2. Knowledge Sharing: As community members complete the training, they will be equipped to share this knowledge with others, leading to a 'ripple effect' of cyber security awareness. This widespread understanding will only further strengthen the overall security posture of our community.
3. Future Positioning: This general training program serves as the foundational stepping stone to our long-term vision: the creation of specialized training tailored to specific roles within the Cardano ecosystem. This includes, but is not limited to, community managers, technical leaders, developers, marketing professionals, administrators, support staff, and general community members.
4. Expanding the Community: This training program, with its focus on practical skills and knowledge, will attract new members to the Cardano community and strengthen the skills of existing members. This will enhance the overall robustness and resilience of the Cardano ecosystem, starting at the personal level.

To be clear: EpochSec is the MVP, or Proof, to show we can achieve this General Training.

In terms of quantifying our impact, our ultimate aim is to provide cyber security training to as many community members as possible. We foresee this initiative increasing community engagement, leading to safer transactions, and ultimately contributing to a reduction in successful cyber-attacks within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Metrics and KPIs to track the project's progress:

• There will be two major, easily trackable, metrics:
• The training itself, which consists of each general training for Web2 and Web3.
• The first deliverable will be the outline for each.
• The second deliverable will be the final training itself, delivered and available to all.
• In addition, we will have these following metrics:
• Using analytics, total number of users/visits and views of the trainings.
• Course Survey / Questionnaire results
• Make available, market, and deliver upon request the core course content presented in tokenized state. While this training will consist of all video and other supporting material conducive to this medium, but may exclude certain interactive materials, it is not expected to materially degrade the training value. We will make public the Policy ID and count of unique wallets this training is delivered to.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our project dissemination plan is twofold: Outline Creation and Training Development & Delivery.

During the Outline Creation phase, we'll design a comprehensive training blueprint, which will serve as a roadmap for the training development. This crucial step ensures structured content delivery and clear learning objectives for each module.

In the Training Development & Delivery phase, we'll create and disseminate the actual training based on the approved outline. The output: a role-based cyber security training program available to the entire Cardano community.

We'll share our free and open training widely across various channels such as social media and newsletters. The knowledge acquired from this project will not only strengthen the Cardano ecosystem but will also shape the development of future, role-specific training courses. The insights gathered will also fuel our ongoing research and development efforts.

The impact: a better-informed, cyber-ready community capable of minimizing security risks, which in turn reduces the number of successful cyber attacks within the Cardano community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

• I would point you to all of my reference material already shared within the proposal. However, to make it easier, I will post the helpful information here as well:
• Current (and going strong and successful) EpochSec Fund9 Project:
• https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/64526
• You can find all publicly available evidence for this project.
• Twitter:
• https://twitter.com/epochsec_io
• Website: https://epochsec.io/contact/
• Documentation:
• https://epochsec.gitbook.io/
• https://epochsec.io/blog/
• https://www.stationx.net/author/andrewdevito/
• LinkedIn:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-wood-a6040560
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-devito
• YouTube:
• https://www.youtube.com/@EpochSec/
• https://www.youtube.com/@JehuSecurity/

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

There are two major goals for the project.

The first goal is the outline of the training to be created. This will show our approach is feasible. The outline will provide the topics to be covered and high level outlines for each topic.

The second goal is the final production of the product itself, which is the accessible training, and guided by our detailed outline above.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1 (Month 1):

Task: Development of detailed outlines for both General Training courses - Web2 and Blockchain Web3. The outlines will define the following at a high level for each module and for the overall courses:

• Terminal Learning Objectives (the knowledge, skills, or attitudes that learners should have by the end of the course or module)
• Supplementary Learning Objectives (additional or supporting objectives that contribute to the Terminal Learning Objectives)
• Enhancing Learning Opportunities (additional resources or activities that enrich the learning experience)

Success Criteria: Approval of the outlines by the project team and key stakeholders, indicating that they accurately capture the objectives and structure of the courses.

Milestone 2 (Month 3):

Task: Development and delivery of a near-final version of one module from each training course. This serves as a preview to demonstrate the look, feel, and quality of the overall training.

Success Criteria: Positive feedback from a select group of beta testers, indicating that the content is engaging, understandable, and relevant. The module should also demonstrate a clear alignment with the Terminal and Supplementary Learning Objectives outlined in Milestone 1.

Milestone 3 (Month 6):

Task: Full release of both training courses, making them available to the public.

Success Criteria: High levels of initial engagement and positive feedback from the community, indicating that the training courses are meeting their needs and aligning with the learning objectives established in Milestone 1.

Throughout the project, we will be using an agile project management approach to allow for iterative development and improvements based on feedback. Although we have a clear plan, we also maintain the flexibility to adapt as necessary to ensure the success and impact of the project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

The deliverables and outcomes:

• Phase 1 (Milestone 1 and 2):
• The outline for both General Training courses. This includes each, Web2 and Web3, training set.
• First module of each training to demonstrate design, method, and future success.
• Phase 2 (Milestone 2):
• The official deliverables. The two training modules themselves. These will both become publicly available to the entire community upon completion, using the outline from Phase 1.
• Further expected outcomes (BEYOND Catalyst)
• As described in previous sections, we want this project/proposal to demonstrate our ability to deliver training, long term, in a detail manner to support the many different roles within teams and the community. Again, this element is not part of the proposal. However, we want to provide our long term vision, using our project/proposal as the first phase.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The budget breakdown is as follows:

Cyber Security Educator Compensation: 178.5k $ADA

We have estimated a total of approximately 1530 hours for both team members combined to complete this project. This estimation is based on an average of 8.5 hours of work per 10-minute training module, with each course having 9 modules.

The compensation for the team members will be 178.5k $ADA. With an exchange rate of $0.30 per $ADA, this amounts to $53,550 in total or $26,775 per person. The hourly rate equates to roughly $35/hr for each team member, which is favorable considering the specialist knowledge and experience required to develop the training.

Support Staff Compensation: 50k $ADA

In addition to our two main team members, we will also require support from a content creator/video editor to help produce the high-quality videos for the training. We have allocated 50k $ADA for this role, which equates to $15,000.

This budget ensures that we can deliver a professional, high-quality training program that is accessible to the entire Cardano community. It represents a significant value given the extensive reach and potential impact of this training.

While we have estimated the work based on a specific $ADA to USD exchange rate, we acknowledge that cryptocurrency values can fluctuate. However, we are committed to delivering this project as planned and will manage the funds responsibly to achieve this goal.

Furthermore, it's important to note that any additional costs, such as equipment, software, or hosting fees, on-chain delivery of certificates, are absorbed by the team and are not included in the funding request. This represents additional discount on the overall proposal.

In terms of marketing and promotion, our existing community presence and networks will be leveraged to publicize the training program, thus minimizing the need for a separate marketing budget. Regular project updates will be shared with the community through our established channels.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This is the same detail provided in the budget breakdown, as it is the detailed representation of the budget, along with the value for money being asked in this question.

Cyber Security Educator Compensation: 178.5k $ADA

We have estimated a total of approximately 1530 hours for both team members combined to complete this project. This estimation is based on an average of 8.5 hours of work per 10-minute training module, with each course having 9 modules.

The compensation for the team members will be 178.5k $ADA. With an exchange rate of $0.30 per $ADA, this amounts to $53,550 in total or $26,775 per person. The hourly rate equates to roughly $35/hr for each team member, which is favorable considering the specialist knowledge and experience required to develop the training.

Support Staff Compensation: 50k $ADA

In addition to our two main team members, we will also require support from a content creator/video editor to help produce the high-quality videos for the training. We have allocated 50k $ADA for this role, which equates to $15,000.

This budget ensures that we can deliver a professional, high-quality training program that is accessible to the entire Cardano community. It represents a significant value given the extensive reach and potential impact of this training.

While we have estimated the work based on a specific $ADA to USD exchange rate, we acknowledge that cryptocurrency values can fluctuate. However, we are committed to delivering this project as planned and will manage the funds responsibly to achieve this goal.

Furthermore, it's important to note that any additional costs, such as equipment, software, or hosting fees, on-chain delivery of certificates, are absorbed by the team and are not included in the funding request. This represents additional discount on the overall proposal.

In terms of marketing and promotion, our existing community presence and networks will be leveraged to publicize the training program, thus minimizing the need for a separate marketing budget. Regular project updates will be shared with the community through our established channels.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept