Comparative analysis of EU-based cybersecurity skills frameworks

Abstract

Research on cybersecurity security skills is highly relevant in today's digital era, where cybersecurity threats are growing in complexity and frequency. This study aims to evaluate and contrast multiple EU-based cybersecurity skills frameworks to highlight areas of convergence, divergence, and potential gaps, offering valuable insights for improving the cohesion and applicability of these frameworks. It was applied a qualitative content analysis approach combined with a comparative analysis technique. This approach is used to identify the main cybersecurity skills emphasized across EU-based cybersecurity frameworks, exploring how they differ in terms of structure, scope, and focus areas, and discovering the main strengths and limitations of these frameworks. The findings support the creation of more inclusive and adaptive frameworks that address underrepresented areas, such as the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emerging domains like AI security. Overall, this study serves as a foundational resource for enhancing cybersecurity resilience, promoting skills standardization, and advancing the EU's leadership in global cybersecurity preparedness. © 2025