Evolving Policies, Effectiveness, Tools and Factors of Cybersecurity Awareness in Schools in the Context of AI: A Systematic Review, 2015-2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the critical success factors, tools, and effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity awareness within educational institutions, covering the period 2015–2025. The research is based on a systematic review approach, collecting and evaluating empirical and theoretical studies published in international scientific databases. Findings reveal that the adoption of AI in awareness programs relies on technological infrastructure, teachers’ digital literacy, students’ acceptance, and institutional support. Regarding tools, the most prominent are chatbots, recommendation systems, immersive environments, and machine learning algorithms that enable personalized training. In terms of effectiveness, results indicate improvements in knowledge retention, changes in students’ digital habits, and an increased ability to detect threats such as phishing or malware. This article contributes to the literature by providing a synthesis of the advances and challenges in applying AI to educational cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of sustainable strategies that strengthen the digital security culture across schools and universities.