Issuing a cybersecurity licence to students

A digital cybersecurity licence is under development for Australian students and teachers.

According to researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Security Research Institute (SRI), who are creating the licence, the concept is similar to that of a swimming certificate — where each student moves up in levels based on their evidence of achievement.

The research shows licences are a major step towards improving cyber education in schools, boosting the future digital workforce and protecting Australian kids online.

“The proposed digital cybersecurity licence for school students would help kids be their own first line of defence against cybercrime and comprise appropriate stages for primary school-aged children continuing into secondary school,” said Associate Professor Nicola Johnson, from ECU’s School of Education.

“It’s vital that children learn about the risks and benefits of being cyber aware from a young age,” said Rachael Falk, CEO of the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC).

“We live in a world where smartphones, iPads and computers are part of young people’s lives more than ever before. A program like this is a positive way to ensure they’re prepared and educated about cyber safety.”

“Teachers and schools would also be able to obtain a digital cybersecurity licence, to help implement cyber secure and cyber hygienic best practices from a basic to an advanced stage,” Johnson said.

Greater awareness needed

Following a series of public workshops held in Perth in late 2022, which involved cyber experts, educators and policy makers, the new report also calls for a national awareness campaign targeting Year 7 to 12 students.

“The concept is like the Slip Slop Slap campaign, but in this case about the danger of being online rather than in the sun,” Johnson said.

“We can get it right for WA students, teachers and schools to better prepare and equip society to reduce cybercrime and increase resilience to illicit cyber behaviours.

“Just like ocean swimming safety, we must teach our children about the lurking sharks.

“Teaching our young primary students the basics of cyber hygiene and cyber awareness is crucial.”

Boosting technology education

According to Johnson, teachers need professional learning to develop their knowledge and cyber hygiene practices so they can confidently teach relevant aspects of cybersecurity as they go about their everyday teaching.

“It’s not just about learning and teaching, it’s also about having a national conversation about behavioural change to help address the high level of risk that individuals face online every day. Schools are the perfect place to start that conversation to protect our most vulnerable,” Johnson said.

A cyber-skilled workforce

Australia currently does not have the required resources in schools to build a skilled cyber workforce, according to Johnson.

“The shorter-term threat of cyber attacks grows exponentially upon us, and whilst cybersecurity is being addressed at the national level, for instance via the recent appointment of Australia’s first Cabinet Minister for Cyber Security and an Expert Advisory Board, it is still in its infancy within school settings,” she said.

“We will consult with school principals across WA to identify the professional learning needs of their staff so we can best support teachers. Coupled with the implementation of the digital cybersecurity licence, and the public awareness campaign, we are excited about the potential impact we will have within communities throughout the state.”

Image credit: iStock.com/da-kuk