New Internet Security Education Programme for pupils in the UK

(25/09/2006)

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium [(ISC)2®] and Childnet International have launched a pilot Internet Security Education Programme for pupils in the UK. Internet safety presentations will be delivered free-of-charge by certified information security volunteers through (ISC)2. The programme will begin in the UK in November and extend, according to interest, across Europe during 2007.

Aimed at 11-13 year olds, the goal of the programme is to help pupils gain awareness of and understand the dangers of the Internet and implement safe and secure online practices. During the in-school sessions, volunteers will identify the positive things pupils can achieve when using the Internet and discuss strategies to avoid the potential risks they face when online.

The presentations and handout materials will cover:
- Positive use of the Internet
- Responsible Internet behaviour
- Protecting personal information when online
- Encouraging responsible use of applications such as peer-to-peer (file-sharing), text messaging and email
- Mobile phone security

Nicola Sanders, Education and Schools Manager for Childnet, said, “This is an exciting alliance because it harnesses the knowledge, experience, and motivation of the senior information security specialists certified by (ISC)2 and combines it with Childnet’s enthusiasm, commitment and experience of communicating these messages to young people. Childnet’s Know IT All content has been developed and made available to all secondary schools in the UK. The availability of (ISC)2 volunteers in delivering some of the modules will really benefit pupils and enhance their understanding of the issues, as there is no substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning.”

John Colley, CISSP, member of the (ISC)2 Board of Directors and co-chairperson of the (ISC)2 European Advisory Board, commented, “Information security is as critical for the safety of pupils in schools and at home as it is for us in industry. Practical awareness for children and parents alike through education is the best way to maximise security in communities around the country. We encourage as many local (ISC)2 members as possible to take part in this pilot program.”

Training for volunteers will start in October. Volunteers will be matched to a school in their area that has signed up to participate in the initiative. The presentations will be taking place throughout the UK during November. All volunteers will be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Any (ISC)2 certified professional that would like to be involved should contact Ben Roberts at broberts@isc2.org. Volunteers will receive four Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for every hour of preparation for the presentations related to the program.

Related topics:  IT Network and Computer Security   Security market sectors 

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