WP4 – Simulation Environment

Implementation of a hands-on simulation environment using system dynamics modelling to replicate real-world cyber threats, allowing educators and students to safely test, observe, and respond to cyber risks in real time.

Work Package Overview

Work Package 4 focuses on developing advanced simulation models that provide deep insights into the components, agents, and interactions within a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) cybersecurity ecosystem. Led by the System Dynamics Italian Chapter (SYDIC), this package translates complex system dynamics into practical, interactive learning environments.

Core Deliverables

  • Qualitative Model (CLD): Causal loop diagram mapping interactions derived from collaborative GMB sessions.
  • Quantitative Model (SFD): Stock and flow simulation model incorporating initial entry points and layered defenses.
  • Interactive Learning Environment (ILE): Control panel enabling users to test managerial actions and observe variable changes over time.
  • Scenario Guide: Pre-simulated real-world scenarios accompanied by policy recommendations and detailed result analysis.

WP4 Core Activities

The work package follows a structured scientific method moving from theoretical alignment and group modeling to interactive testing and policy creation.

Activity A1

Structure and Plan Creation

Defining the scope, objectives, and baseline architecture of the simulation model based on prior work packages and cybersecurity literature.

Activity A2

Group Model Building & SFD

Organizing collaborative sessions with partners and external experts to reach consensus, followed by mathematical equation integration.

Activity A3

Model Testing and Evaluation

Executing validation and testing procedures following established system dynamics standards (Forrester & Senge, Barlas, Sterman).

Activity A4

Interactive Learning Environment (ILE)

Designing and building the dashboard interface that presents trainees with control options for managerial decisions and time-series graphs.

Activity A5

Transnational Project Meeting (Lublin)

Hosting a two-day project meeting in Lublin, Poland, to review simulation progress and align cross-border tasks.

Activity A6

Model & User Manual Release

Publishing the simulation model and comprehensive user manual for free public access under appropriate licenses.

Activity A7

Scenario Development

Identifying pre-defined scenarios, analyzing results, and compiling a policy recommendation guide (up to 30 pages).

Consortium Contribution

While SYDIC leads the technical modeling and analysis, all consortium partners contribute input, perspectives, and content during Group Model Building sessions.

SYDIC

Italy WP4 Lead

Leads model structures, group building sessions, coding, testing, and ILE implementation.

Euro Lider

Poland Host Partner

Hosts the transnational project meeting in Lublin and contributes organizational support.

Mälardalen University

Sweden Coordinator

Provides academic and technical insights into embedded systems and cybersecurity risks.

SMARTS PC

Greece Partner

Contributes ICT and regional consulting perspectives to model scenarios.

University of Maribor

Slovenia Partner

Supports simulation design through data technologies and information security expertise.

PrepareMeAI

Poland Partner

Assists in local meeting arrangements and digital application integration.

SpinSystem

Belgium Quality Lead

Integrates security frameworks and quality assurance criteria into modeling stages.

NOVA University Lisbon

Portugal Partner

Provides data analytics and behavioral science inputs for collaborative sessions.