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Introduction to Cybersecurity for Teachers

CO216 Online course

Teachers will be introduced to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

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Computer networks Computer systems Data & information Safety & Security Computing Key stage 3 Key stage 4 CS Accelerator
Free online course Approximately 8 hours of self-study

Teaching cybersecurity in schools is an important way to help students stay safe while using technology. On this course, teachers will be introduced to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

You will learn the different attacks that individuals and devices are vulnerable to and how to prevent them. You will explore malware, malicious bots, SQL injections, and physical threats to data. You will also build your knowledge of the different tools that protect data and websites. These include strong passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication, and firewalls.

Who is it for?

This course is for prospective teachers of Key Stage 3 computing and GCSE computer science, who may be new to the subject. 

No prior experience or knowledge of computer science is expected before attending this course.

Topics covered

  • Types of attack, both physical and non-physical
  • Prevention methods to protect against cyber attacks
  • Legislation
  • Anti-virus software

How long is this course?

This is approximately 8 hours of self-directed learning.

How will you learn?

This course is not facilitated. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to:

  • Explain the meanings of terms describing common cyberattacks, such as phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing and blagging.
  • Explain the protections offered to users by the Misuse of Computer Act Classify different types of malware
  • Evaluate the strength of a password
  • Describe different types of cyber attack, such as an “SQL injection attack”, and how these can be protected against or mitigated
  • Explain how “anti-virus” software works

This course is part of the Subject knowledge certificate

Subject knowledge certificate

Our professional development programme, Computer Science Accelerator, is designed to help you develop or refresh your subject knowledge and leads to a nationally recognised certificate.

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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