2020-05-01
U.K. Launches Virtual Cyber School
The UK Government is inviting all high school students in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to join a virtual cyber security school as part of plans to make sure the country develops the next generation of professional cyber defenders. At a time when schools remain closed to most children, the online initiative aims to inspire future talent to work in the cyber security sector and give students a variety of extracurricular activities they can do from the safety of their homes. By becoming gamified "cyber protection agents," teens learn how to crack codes, fix security flaws and dissect criminals' digital trails while progressing through the game as a cyber agent. This will help them develop important skills needed for future jobs, particularly in cyber security.
Editor's Note
This program also will enable the UK to identify and nurture elite cyber talent early, just as the Israeli government identifies and supports young cyber talent who are then guided into its world-class national cyber programs. Talented students spend hundreds of hours demonstrating their high aptitude for success in cybersecurity and honing their cyber skills.

Alan Paller
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GOV.UK: New virtual cyber school gives teens chance to try out as cyber security agents from home
ZDNET: This new cybersecurity school will teach kids to crack codes from home
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UK Authority: Government opens Virtual Cyber School for teenagers