A new website has been launched to encourage young people to explore cyber security opportunities. The fun, interactive learning programme could support a future career in cyber security.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Cyber Schools Programme will see thousands of the best and brightest young minds given the opportunity to learn cutting-edge cyber security skills alongside their secondary school studies through a nationwide network of extracurricular clubs, activities and a new online game.
It aims to support and encourage schoolchildren to develop some of the key skills they would need to work in the growing cyber security sector and help defend the nation’s businesses against online threats.
Available for 14-18 year olds the HMG Cyber Schools Programme is a UK Government, extracurricular, cyber security skills programme delivered by SANS, BT, FutureLearn and Cyber Security Challenge UK.
The website is live for young people to register to their interest with the programme set to go live in the Autumn.
You can sign up here: https://hmgcyberschools.com
Background
To make sure the UK is prepared for the future and ready to tackle the growing threat posed by cyber criminals, we want to help young people learn some of the skills needed to work in the cyber security profession. In the coming years, it will be your generation building, running and protecting the UK – you could be needed to help protect industries such as banking, transport and public services. These affect every part of our daily lives.
The Programme
Initially, you’ll learn online at your own pace through a series of games, challenges and projects. You’ll also have the opportunity to join a local or regional learning cluster, made up of other students with whom you can chat and collaborate and a teacher or mentor who can help guide you when needed. Additional exciting opportunities to learn about and engage in the cyber security profession will be announced as the programme progresses.
Some of the skills you will learn include digital forensics, defending web attacks, programming and cryptography. But don’t worry if you have no experience in these areas – the programme will lead you through them at your own pace and in a fun way. You will also learn the importance of cyber ethics and how to use the newly learned skills in a positive manner.
Top performing students will be invited to take part in supplementary activities – including a three-day cyber security camp with extra face-to-face training and coaching delivered by renowned security experts.
How to take part
The Cyber Schools Programme launches first in England in autumn 2017, with expansion set to be announced in future years. The first step will be to complete an online, multiple-choice assessment that will help us to pick the most suitable students for the first intake.
Visit the website and sign up: https://hmgcyberschools.com
Supporting the programme
There is also a call to action for parents, teachers and industry professionals interested in supporting the programme in any way – such as mentoring, leading student cluster groups or providing industry input to register their interest too. Visit the webpage to find out more: https://hmgcyberschools.com
