Reasons to do Cyber Security Fundamentals

Since Helen announced last week that the new National Unit entitled Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF Level 4) was now available, we’ve had a lot of interest from centres interested in offering the new Unit. There are lots of reasons for doing so. In a sense, cyber security has replaced online safety as an essential online skill since it encompasses personal safety but also explores the need for groups, businesses and nations to protect themselves. Recent media reports about cyber attacks on individuals, businesses and online services illustrate the importance of online diligence. Cyber security is fast becoming a core skill for the 21st Century.

You can offer this Unit stand-alone or as part of the National Certificate in Computing & Digital Media. I will be looking at a range of other awards (including some at higher levels) that it can be added to. We have packaged the Unit into an award so that completing learners can gain a separate SQA certificate. The Certificate in Cyber Security will be available to centres from January (any learner who completes this Unit will be eligible for it).

SQA intends that cyber security, when appropriate, features in every Computing qualification. We will be issuing guidance to Qualification Development Teams, similar to the guidance on computational thinking, to ensure that every QDT considers its inclusion.

Contact Helen for more information about this new Unit or the forthcoming Certificate.

Bobby Published 13/10/2015