The Cyber Welfare Framework: the 5 levels of digital maturity
A structured path to understand where you are and how to grow online, one level at a time
The Cyber Welfare Framework is the project’s strategic tool to assess and improve your online security with a structured, progressive approach. It is organized into five incremental levels, from FL1 to FL5, measuring digital maturity from newcomer to expert. Each level emerges from the interaction of three key factors — Skills, Awareness and Secure Behavior — and tells you exactly where you stand and which step to take next.
What you will find in this section
- FL1 – Basic: reactive approach and minimal skills; transition goal: acquire the first defense tools.
- FL2 – Initial: understanding of the main risks; transition goal: standardize good practices.
- FL3 – Autonomous: ability to handle common threats independently; transition goal: strengthen your digital identity.
- FL4 – Skilled: security deeply integrated into your routine; transition goal: optimize proactive prevention.
- FL5 – Expert/Guide: full mastery and critical analysis skills; goal: reach excellence in privacy and guide others.
| Level | Short Description | Milestone Goal |
| FL1: Base Level | Reactive approach and minimal skills. | Acquire the first defence tools. |
| FL2: Level One | Understanding of primary risks. | Standardise good practices. |
| FL3: Level Two | Ability to autonomously manage common threats. | Strengthen digital identity. |
| FL4: Level Three | Deep integration of security into daily routine. | Optimise proactive prevention. |
| FL5: Expert Level | Full mastery and critical analysis capability. | Achieve excellence in privacy. |
Why this section: the Cyber Welfare method
The Framework rests on three reference models that analyze your profile from every angle: the Skills Model (what you can technically do to protect yourself), the Awareness Model (how well you understand the impact of your online actions) and the Secure Behavior Model (how you apply your knowledge in real situations). Adopting it means gaining a method: a clear structure instead of sporadic efforts, more efficient learning and measurable progress over time.
- Competence Model: What you can technically do to protect yourself.
- Awareness Model: How much you understand the impact of your online actions.
- Safe Behaviour Model: How you apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants to bring order to their digital security journey: people starting from scratch who need a map, people with good foundations who want to see what is missing, and anyone looking for an objective reference to measure their growth.
Requirements and details
No prerequisites. The natural entry point is the Self-Assessment, which captures your current level across the three dimensions; the Cyber Welfare Certification then formally attests the level you have reached. Each level page (FL1–FL5) describes the profile, distinctive traits and steps to advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cyber Welfare Framework?
It is a five-level digital maturity model (FL1–FL5) that assesses and guides your growth across three pillars: Skills, Awareness and Secure Behavior.
How do I find out my level?
Through the Self-Assessment: a questionnaire that analyzes the three dimensions of your profile, places you in one of the five levels and points out your next steps.
Do I have to reach FL5?
No: every level is a valid milestone. The Framework helps you progress at your own pace; it does not impose the same finish line on everyone.
Take the Self-Assessment and discover your starting level: it is the first step of the path.
Pages in this section
- FL1 – Cyber Welfare Basic Level: the starting point of every path
- FL2 – Cyber Welfare First Level: guided security
- FL3 – Cyber Welfare Second Level: digital autonomy
- FL4 – Cyber Welfare Third Level: proactive mastery
- FL5 – Cyber Welfare Expert Level: guide the digital community
- The Digital Resilience Manifesto: Knowing, Sensing, Doing
The journey doesn’t end with you: become an instructor and bring digital security to the people around you.