More spaces added to online cyber security courses after high demand
by Simon Doyle
MORE young people, particularly girls, are being invited to take part in a new series of free, online cyber security courses.
The CyberFirst courses have been created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in partnership with skills provider QA and children's education charity The Smallpeice Trust
They are designed to help students aged 14-17 develop digital skills and enrich their problem-solving abilities.
To meet high demand in Northern Ireland, additional places have now been added across the programme.
This will give more teenagers the chance to discover what it takes to be a cyber agent, as they analyse common cyber attacks, dive into digital forensics and learn how to crack codes.
Spaces for boys are now limited, but there are still places for girls. The digital skills shortage and a lack of diversity in `stem' remains a challenge for the north, with women making up just 15 per cent of the UK cyber security workforce.
The programme will take place in a ‘virtual classroom' to allow young people to get involved during the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts will teach all aspects of defending and safeguarding digital devices and networks, equipping participants with robust cyber skills to help them prepare for the future and find solutions to some of the biggest modern challenges.
"The cyber security industry plays a key role in protecting and promoting our nation, and nurturing the next generation of technology talent is critical for its continued success. This has become particularly apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic," said Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for Skills and Growth.
The courses will be available from June to August with three different levels. Further information and booking can be found at https://smallpeicetrust.org.uk/cyberfirst.