The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) has announced the addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing modules to its CyberEPQ for all students from September 2024 onwards.
The CyberEPQ is the only secondary education qualification that will include in-depth learning about these two topics. With AI posing as many challenges as solutions to cybersecurity, and quantum computing set to revolutionise encryption – the foundations of security – CIISec view it as vital that the next generation of the cyber workforce understand these issues.
The new modules cap off a stellar year for CyberEPQ students, with 74% of the 2023/24 cohort achieving A*-B grades. Available to any student over the age of 14, the CyberEPQ is aimed at bringing new and diverse talent into the industry, representing an ideal stepping stone into a cybersecurity career.
A completed CyberEPQ accounts for up to 28 UCAS points – the equivalent of half an A-level – for students aspiring to progress to university.
“If the cybersecurity curriculum doesn’t reflect today’s threats, young people will enter the workforce without a proper understanding of the challenges they face,” says Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec. “AI is starting to emerge as a real danger, and it’s generally accepted that we’re 5-10 years from a quantum computing revolution.
“On that timeline, today’s young people will be protecting us from these threats. Educators must react quickly and equip the next generation for the challenges of tomorrow.”
The new quantum computing module will explore the differences between classical and quantum computers and their applications in cybersecurity – including how quantum-safe cryptography is, and how organisations can prepare for it.
The AI module will educate pupils on how the technology is used to both protect and attack systems, as well as how AI models themselves are vulnerable to attack.
The 2023/24 results represent a year of continuous progress for the CyberEPQ and its students, with the percentage of A*-B grades marking an increase over the previous year’s 68%.
The number of girls taking the EPQ increased by a fifth (19%) year-on-year, and 90% of students came from state schools. Almost one-in-five (18%) schools that ran the EPQ were CyberFirst schools, with the course funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), helping to drive accessibility.
“Globally, there’s a 4 million person skills gap in the cybersecurity industry. Diversity, and showing that there’s a place for everyone in cyber, will be crucial to bridging this void,” says Finch. “It’s heartening to see that more girls than ever are taking the EPQ and that state schools are well represented.
“An engaging, contemporary course – as well as continued government funding – will help to increase engagement from students across the educational spectrum, which will help to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry.”
Enrolment for the 2024-25 CyberEPQ – which includes the new modules – is now open. To enrol, please contact cyberepq@ciisec.org.
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