The Cyber Security Academy is the first of its kind national cyber security training programme in Ireland for young people and is now recruiting 4th, 5th and 6th year students who want to learn the essential skills to identify, prevent and predict cyber-attacks. Cyber Academy is funded under the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme, which was launched on the 22nd March by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, TD and supports 49 public engagement and education initiatives that aim to improve public understanding of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) and engage a wide audience of people with STEM topics.
We have all become increasingly dependent on our smartphones and the internet, especially due to COVID-19. There is a significant lack of awareness and skills around cybersecurity in society in general, and amongst young people in particular. Furthermore, Ireland has a dire shortage of cybersecurity professionals, which is placing our digital economy at risk. Ireland needs to develop young people that have the aptitude and skills to become the next generation of cyber security specialists to protect our digital world. Not only is it one of the most well-paid, in-demand sectors around, but it also offers young people the chance to forge a career doing something that really matters.
The Cyber Security Academy is a series of fun and engaging activities for young people (11-18 year old’s) to help them explore their interest in tech by introducing them to the world of cyber security:
- Through the Online Cyber Camp, students will explore general topics like Cyber Crime Investigation, Cryptography & Authentication, Ethical Hacking, while discussing the impact of cyber security on society. Download the Flyer
- Career talks from Cyber security professionals, from diverse roles and backgrounds, aim to change the perception of cyber security to an aspirational, mainstream career option for young people from all backgrounds.
- The National Cyber Schools Challenge (NCSC) is a fun, national competition to test students’ skills as a hacker and learn cyber security skills, open to all ages (11-18 years) and no IT-background is required.
The Cyber Security Academy is preparing the next generation to contribute to Ireland’s economic growth and as a safe and secure place to live and work by promoting science and technology among school students, reducing gender imbalance in this field and improving proficiency in computer science among its trainees.
Do you know 4th – 6th year students interested in learning more about cyber security?
The Online Cyber Camp will run from the 8th – 12th of June 2021 online and students can register their interest in participating here.
Could you support training the next generation of cyber security professionals?
You can get involved in the Cyber Security Academy too by giving career talks on how you choose a career in cyber and why it’s a rewarding career or volunteer to support the labs as part of the Online Cyber Camp. We’re also looking for companies to sponsor the content for the summer camp. Send any enquiries to [email protected]
The Cyber Security Academy is a programme run in conjunction with Cyber Ireland and Cyber Skills, hosted at Munster Technological University and Technological University Dublin, and is funded under SFI Discover Programme.