Why cyber security needs to be taught in schools

From typing to word processing, the nature of tech skills for school-leavers has changed a lot in the last few decades. While touch typing has been around since the late 19th century, since the widespread introduction of personal computers in the workplace, a wider number of tech skills has entered the education system.

These include the ability to troubleshoot, back-up data and self-directed online learning. Learning about cyber security is also on the list of tech skills that every student should have. Amid an evolving cyber space where attacks are becoming more advanced and defence systems are becoming more complex, learners need to add cyber security to their list of life skills.

Addressing the cyber security skills shortage

South Africa is a key target for cyber crime, with some reports placing SA as the third highest worldwide in terms of the number of cyber crime victims. The acceleration of digital presence and infrastructure has added to the complexity of rising cyber crime in the country. While there is certainly a tech skills shortage in general, South Africa has work to do to enhance its cyber security capability.

In a recent report, 70% of respondents claimed that their organisations experienced the negative impact caused by cyber security skills shortage. Organisations not only struggle to find the necessary skills, but talent is often difficult to retain. The South African banking industry has been identified as a key industry where cyber security skills are in high demand. As such, the South African government has partnered with key entities in the banking space to address this skills shortage.

Programmes which upskill unemployed youth in technology and digital literacy are in development and being piloted around the country. These programmes are aimed at developing key skills needed to plug the gap in cyber security. There are several hard-to-fill vacancies in the banking sector, and information technology related vacancies are the most prevalent. An underlying issue is an inadequately educated workforce, who lack the appropriate experience. Training is needed to plug these gaps.

According to the World Economic Forum, cyber security and encryption are some of the top skills in demand. As businesses speed up the rate of digitisation, there is a global shortfall of cyber security professionals. The ABSA group is attempting to address these skills shortages through educational institutions in South Africa. The aim is to graduate 300 cyber security professionals every year. Closing the gaps in cyber security skills could help address unemployment rates in South Africa as well as ensuring businesses and their clientele are safe from cyber threats.

The importance of cyber security in schools

According to the World Economic Forum, cyber security should be embedded in the school curriculum. Educational institutions need to develop a cyber security plan to address the rise in attacks. The Covid-19 pandemic had a massive impact on global education, with many schools moving towards digital devices for teaching and learning.

Students are increasingly dependent on their devices and education is one of the most affected industries in terms of malware. School networks are an easy target for cyber criminals, so students need to learn how to identify malware, especially those posing as fun pop-ups. Clicking on these links can lead to your computer system being affected with malware.

Schools are often ill equipped to deal with the challenges of cyber security. It's important that both the staff and students are brought up to speed regarding the cyber threat landscape. Not only do they need to educate their students about it, but also the teachers themselves and other staff members.

Learning about cyber security in schools

Cyber security involves protecting devices and networks, both for personal and professional use. Preventing unauthorised access to sensitive or personal information is a key focus of cyber security. Awareness training in schools should include how to identify cyber threats and what characteristics they display, including the importance of creating strong passwords and incorporating various authentication methods.

This kind of cyber security awareness training not only benefits pupils, but it also gives them lifelong skills that prepare them for the workplace. Those who have a particular interest in cyber security, can be encouraged to pursue a career in the industry.

E-mail phishing is another core area where students need appropriate cyber security training, being able to look out for click bait, grammar and spelling errors, or requests that demand the recipient to respond urgently are key signs of a phishing attempt.

Ransomware and other forms of malware can result from phishing attempts emails. These viruses encrypt the user’s computer and demand money in exchange for a decryption key. Ransomware is often distributed through phishing emails and infected websites. Once your system is infected, it may not be possible to retrieve data, even with the decryption key. Learning about email security should be included in the school curriculum.

Preparing the next generation of cyber security professionals

To pursue a career in cyber security requires some hands-on experience. While theoretical knowledge and certificates are certainly beneficial, having practical skills is critical. Organisations need employees who can implement and operate the technical requirements.

Cyber security jobs don't just require technical skills and subject matter expertise, they also require soft skills such as problem-solving, communication skills and a desire for learning. The cyber security threat landscape is constantly changing, which means that those working in the field need to have a passion for learning. Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is an absolute must for any cyber security professional.

These experts need to have excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to find creative ways to tackle emerging challenges. Cyber security is a complex digital environment and professionals in the industry need to take a flexible approach, think out-of-the-box and plan for the unknown.

Since cyber security is technology focused, those working in the industry need to have strong interest and an aptitude for troubleshooting and designing new systems. The focus here is less on the installation and maintenance of software, but rather designing policies and procedures to ensure that technology is used to its best advantage. Being technologically savvy is, of course, an essential skill of a cyber security professional and part of their everyday function.

SEACOM Business has a range of cyber security solutions, including enhanced email protection and cloud-based security. Our team of experts works with enterprises and organisations across South Africa to design the right security solution. For more information or to get a quote for our automated cyber security solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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