Building on the practical exercise from previous day, participants began the second day by delivering short presentations, the „karaoke presentation“, designed to simulate unfamiliar or low-information fast-paced environments. This challenged participants to structure messages clearly while remaining confident and communicate key points despite uncertainty – set of skills essential during real-world cyber incidents. Reflection from instructors and peers helped participants identify areas for improvement in both content delivery and presence.

A dedicated session on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in communication explored practical AI-enabled tools, techniques and cases that can support communication professionals from developing messages to preparing for crisis. Discussion also addressed the importance on responsible, but strategic use in sensitive contexts.

Before the simulation exercise, session on crisis communication focused on procedures and coordination during cyber crises. Instructors explained key elements of crisis communication, underlining the importance of clarity, consistency and credibility when communicating with internal and external stakeholders Under pressure.

The second day concluded with a cyber range exercise with an AI-driven scenario, providing a hands-on opportunity to apply knowledge of communication principles in a simulated cyber crisis environment: working in teams, participants experienced how decisions in communications’ approach and crisis management, coordination and public trust influence each other.

• Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eucybernet/albums/72177720331319836/

The EU CyberNet Winter School takes place from 14 to 16 January 2026 in Helsinki, Finland and is organised by the EU CyberNet, a EU-funded project implemented by the Estonian Information System Authority and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency TRAFICOM.