On the occasion of Technological Education Day, the Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a global provider of cyber security solutions, shares its top tips for young people on cyber security skills. Technology Education Day is more important today than ever, as so much of work and teaching is now based on digital platforms.
Regardless of the field of study a young person chooses, be it polytechnic or business schools, there is no way for students to progress if they do not "embrace" technology. However, it is this impact of technology across all sectors that also brings risks of cyber attacks. In Greece, all organizations face an average of 813 cyber attacks per week in the last six months.
Next, Check Point Software presents the cyber security skills every student should have, depending on their age group:
- Cyber security in primary schools: Experts suggest age 10 as the ideal time to start addressing cyber safety in the classroom, as long as different devices have security software and parental controls and are used under adult supervision. At this stage, the most useful knowledge that can be taught to students is about privacy, responsible internet use, basic device security settings and cyberbullying tips.
- Knowledge during secondary education: This age group needs to learn the most common cyber threats and dangers online, such as phishing and how to spot a suspicious email or text, account theft, malware, ransomware and their signs. After that, it is also possible to introduce and deepen the knowledge of key concepts such as bugs, vulnerabilities, exploits or human failure, as well as sophisticated social engineering – what it is, how it works and how cybercriminals use it.
- Higher education: Whether it is a university degree or a vocational training course, at this stage a student focuses on the subject in which they want to specialize and develop for their professional life. Courses such as computer engineering, telecommunications, a degree specializing in cyber security or computer science are ones that will expand knowledge beyond what was learned in school. We must not forget that the digital world, like the threat landscape, is constantly evolving and at a much faster pace than other industries, so training does not stop. After completing higher education, students can always continue to expand knowledge and skills with courses or postgraduate degrees.
“Cybersecurity education is becoming increasingly important as it is not only useful for people working in the industry, but vital to everyone's daily lives. Everything is becoming more and more digitized and every action we take will involve risks both in our work and in our private lives," explains Konstantina Koukou Channel Account Manager & Evangelist, Check Point Software Technologies.
"Today's kids are born into technology, so let's give them the tools to feel safe in a rapidly changing environment in which they spend most of their day."
