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Funded initiatives increase cybersecurity awareness across the region
14/10/2024
The University of Wolverhampton has successfully completed a £65k funded project designed to increase cybersecurity awareness among young adults aged 16 to 20 across the Black Country through a series of engaging events.
The Cyber4ME project was led by the Cyber Security Research Cluster in the University’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The team, made up of academics from the University, put on four events and training sessions which engaged schools, colleges and university students from across the region, including a Cyber Security Roadshow, online training courses, a Cyber Hackathon and a Cyber Escape Room which was supported by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Cyber Security Roadshows were held at five further education colleges across the Black Country, introducing students to the basics of cybersecurity through the Cyber Security 101 course. This included industry talks and tabletop exercises covering essential cybersecurity concepts and frameworks, such as identity management, social engineering, and secure communication.
A Cyber Hackathon & CTF Competition featured preliminary online rounds and culminated in a face-to-face competition. It allowed students to apply their technical skills, with support from HackTheBox – a leading cybersecurity performance centre.
An interactive and engaging Cyber Escape Room event, supported by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WMROCU), offered students the opportunity to solve puzzles and decipher riddles related to cybersecurity threats, learning about risks and how to mitigate them.
Over 200 students from local colleges and universities took part in online training and received certificates for completing online courses on Cybersecurity Essentials, GDPR, and Information Security Management, further enhancing their skills.
Professor Andy Gibson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University, said: “This project was launched in response to the critical need for cybersecurity education, particularly for individuals in further education or apprenticeships. The aim was to improve understanding of how cybersecurity affects individuals and businesses, and to provide hands-on experience that encourages participants to consider careers in this vital field.
“The success of this initiative will ensure that the next generation is equipped with the necessary skills to protect businesses and industries from future cyber threats, reinforcing the idea that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but one that spans all sectors.”
Professor Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University, said: “The Cyber4ME project had a significant regional impact, focusing on educating and empowering young adults across the Black Country. By targeting students and apprentices from industries such as construction, engineering, automotive, digital, and healthcare, the initiative raised awareness of cybersecurity as a crucial skill across various sectors.
“The roadshows, hackathons, and escape rooms not only delivered essential cybersecurity training but also sparked interest in cybersecurity as a career path. The online training offered further upskilling opportunities to ensure that these young adults are prepared for a world where cybersecurity affects everyone.”
Dr Arafatur Rhaman, Reader in Cybersecurity at the University, said: “The Cyber4ME initiative has successfully elevated the level of cybersecurity awareness in the Black Country. By providing essential training and hands-on experiences, it has helped participants gain a clearer understanding of cybersecurity threats and the importance of safeguarding personal and organizational information.
“The project benefits the region by enhancing local resilience to cyberattacks, ensuring a future workforce equipped with cybersecurity skills, and fostering collaboration between industry sectors and educational institutions. It has also reinforced that cybersecurity is a growing field with career opportunities in every sector, not just within IT.”
Academics involved in delivering the project were Professor Prashant Pillai, Dr Md Arafatur Rahman, Professor Zeeshan Parvez, Falobi Oluwafemi, Mohammad Ibrahim and Sze W. Tan.
Anyone interested in studying for courses in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
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