Moray pupils take part in CGI cyber security virtual classroom with 'ethical hackers'
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MORE than 200 pupils from Moray have been taking part in a virtual classroom event to teach them about cyber security.
Experts from global IT and business consulting service CGI –– including ‘ethical hackers’ – were talking about life working in the sector
The event involving Milne's High in Fochabers and Lossiemouth High was backed by Skills Development Scotland, Moray Council and Police Scotland.
The session saw the pupils enjoy some role playing scenarios, which include acting as
police forensic investigators tasked with decoding a message from hackers that uses a ‘cipher’.
They also faced the challenge of trying to prevent a phishing campaign that involved criminals
trying to hack into their fictional company’s email.
The youngsters will also benefit from hearing directly from professionals at CGI about what it’s
really like working in the industry.
These included ‘ethical hackers’, who are employed to attempt to penetrate an organisation’s networks and computer systems.
Lindsay McGranaghan, Vice President and Business Unit Leader for CGI in Scotland, said:
“CGI is delighted to be playing a leading role in this event.
"As a company, we work extremely hard to support young people so they can learn about cyber security, and get a taste of what it’s like to work in this sector.
“Every year we create opportunities where people can pursue a career in cyber and IT, whether
it’s as an apprentice, or supported through their university degree. Long term, it’s our mission to
create a cyber workforce of the future in Scotland, and events like this are vital in helping
develop that spark among young people so they take their first steps on that journey.”
Phil Ford, Head of Digital Technologies and Financial Service at SDS, said: “Our past
experience has shown that school pupils genuinely benefit from and appreciate the kind of
knowledge only industry experts can bring to class.
“We would encourage more technology companies to follow CGI’s great example, and sign up
for our Tech Industry in the Classroom initiative to really help bring digital jobs and skills to life
for pupils across Scotland.”
Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe in the
digital world we now live in and happy to support the event in Moray. It is an interactive and
innovative way for young people to understand about cyber security.
“Prevention is key to reducing the risk and harm caused by cybercrime and events such as this help build the skills required to understand the need to be even more cyber safe.”
