USW taking the lead in cyber training for teenagers

USW is one of the first universities in the UK to have specially-developed materials accredited under the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) CyberFirst banner.

The initiative is led by the NCSC and includes courses, bursaries and competitions designed to inspire students to consider cyber security as a career.

Aimed at those aged 11 to 17, CyberFirst courses provide young people with an opportunity to try out a variety of cyber-related challenges. Events are run across the country to give young people an insight into the cyber world and to learn more about working in the sector.

USW piloted a CyberFirst event for schools last October, when almost 40 students aged 16-17 used specialist materials written by the university’s own cyber team, in an event observed by a member of staff from the NCSC.

The activities have now been approved by CyberFirst, meaning USW is the first organisation to create activities of its own for the event.

Clare Johnson, Head of Cyber Security at USW, said:

“We are delighted to be able to brand these outreach activities under the CyberFirst banner. CyberFirst is a fantastic initiative to help inspire and enthuse the next generation of cyber specialists, and to be part of this is really exciting.”

The activities will soon be available on the NCSC website for others to use.