Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a global provider of cybersecurity solutions, shares its top cybersecurity advice for young people on Technology Education Day. Technology Education Day is more important than ever because so much course work and classroom instruction is done on digital platforms. No matter what field of study they choose, whether engineering or business, students cannot progress unless they embrace technology. However, as technology advances across all industries, so does the risk of cyberattack. Over the last six months, all organizations in the UAE experienced an average of 979 cyberattacks.
So, Check Point Software explains the cybersecurity skills that each student should have, depending on their age group:
Cybersecurity in primary schools: Experts recommend 10 years of age as the ideal time to begin addressing cybersecurity in the classroom, as long as the different devices have security software and parental controls, and they are used under adult supervision. At this stage, the most useful knowledge that can be taught to pupils is about privacy, responsible use of the internet, basic security settings for devices and advice on cyberbullying.
Secondary school knowledge: This age group need to learn the most common cybersecurity threats and dangers on the internet, such as phishing and how to identify a suspicious email or text, account theft, malware, ransomware and their signs. Following this, it is also possible to introduce and deepen knowledge of basic concepts such as bugs, vulnerabilities, exploits, or human failure as well as sophisticated social engineering – what it is, how it works and how cybercriminals use it.
Higher Education: Whether it is a university degree or a vocational training cycle, it is at this stage that a student focuses on the subject in which they want to specialize and develop for their professional life. Subjects such as computer engineering, telecommunications, a degree specializing in cybersecurity or computer science are the ones that will expand the knowledge beyond what was learned at school. It should not be forgotten that the digital world, and likewise the threat landscape, is constantly evolving, and at a much faster rate than other disciplines, so training does not stop. After completing higher education, students can always continue to expand knowledge and skills with courses or master’s degrees.
“Cybersecurity education is becoming more and more important, as it will not only be useful for people working in the sector, but it will be crucial for everyone’s day-to-day life. Everything is becoming more digitalized and any action we take will carry dangers both in our work and in our private lives”, explains Ram Narayanan, Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East. “Today’s children are technology natives, so let’s give them the tools to feel safe in a fast-changing environment where they spend most of their day”.
