DIGSmart: Chatbots as a New Ally in Digital Security
The project explores how conversational agents, and specifically chatbots, can be used as effective tools for cybersecurity education
With cyber threats becoming an inevitable part of modern life, many security breaches are still caused by human error, often due to insufficient awareness. The DIGSmart Project, led by Associate Professor Stefanie Sohn and supported by TrygFonden, is addressing this challenge by exploring how conversational agents, and specifically chatbots, can be used as effective tools for cybersecurity education.
The project investigates the drivers that influence individuals’ willingness to interact with digital security chatbots, as well as the mechanisms through which these tools can foster behavioral change. In doing so, DIGSmart sheds light on proactive digital security management, an area that remains underexplored, and provides guidance for designing user-centered interventions that can strengthen protective actions in digital environments.
Surveying the Danish Population
In November 2024, the research team conducted a self-administered survey among a representative sample of 1,004 Danish citizens. The results reveal that 82% of respondents had experienced digital security threats, such as data breaches, phishing, or malware.
Interestingly, the study found a notable difference in perceptions of vulnerability: a majority considered companies to be more vulnerable to cyberattacks than they considered themselves to be. Perceptions of proactivity also revealed a gap. Only 25% believed that brands take proactive measures in digital security. However, where respondents did perceive such efforts, such as warning customers about scams or offering security tips, loyalty towards those companies increased.
Readiness for Chatbot-Based Security Support
The survey further explored attitudes toward digital security chatbots. Larysa Luzinska, who is PhD-candidate and participant of the project, emphasizes “More than half of respondents (56%) indicated they would be willing to use such a tool in the future. The strongest factor influencing this intention was perceived usefulness. Those who had previous positive experiences with chatbots in other contexts were particularly receptive.” Stefanie Sohn adds that these results show a clear opportunity: “Digital security isn’t just about reacting to incidents; it is about anticipating them and empowering people with the right tools and knowledge. Chatbots have the potential to make this support immediate and user-friendly.”
Moving Towards an AI-Based Security Chatbot
Based on these insights, the next phase of DIGSmart will focus on developing an AI-based digital security chatbot. This conversational agent provide advice for secure password management and offer guidance on protective measures. Cybersecurity expert and Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (SDU), Peter Mayer, along with a scientific software developer, will support this next step.
The expected impact of this work reaches beyond individual users. By providing evidence-based insights on the effectiveness of chatbot-based interventions, DIGSmart will inform businesses, policymakers, and technology developers worldwide. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between cybersecurity awareness and everyday action, ensuring that people and organisations alike are better prepared to navigate the digital world safely.
The project runs from April 2024 to March 2027, and more information can be found at www.sdu.dk/en/digsmart