Scottish Schools Given Lessons in Cyber Security

Secondary schools in Scotland are currently being given the chance to learn about online safety and cyber security in various lectures.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the lectures are being held in Scottish universities just before Christmas.

Targetting pupils at S4 (known as Year 11 in English schools) and over, as well as college students, the goal is to make cyber security and digital sector careers appealing to the next generation.

Abertay University’s Dr Lynsay Shepherd:

“Computing is such a rapidly evolving subject area that it can be very difficult for teachers to keep themselves (and the curriculum) current and interesting for the kids.

“For many of the students, it’s also an opportunity for them to see a lecture in a university setting which will hopefully inspire them to go to university.”

The interactive lectures are being delivered for free by various industry experts. They are designed to breathe life into the subjects through fun and educational sessions.

They complement all three areas on which the National Progression Award in Cyber Security is based: data security, ethical hacking and digital forensics.

The lectures are being provided by representatives from academics from Edinburgh, Strathclyde, Napier, and Abertay Universities, as well as industry partners, lecturing on such subjects as hacking the web, the Internet of Things, and blockchain.

The interactive lectures are a great way to make future generations aware of the dangers of cyber security, as well as provide them with more information on a career choice. The pupils may well be filling many of the increasing number of cyber security jobs available within the next decade and beyond.