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Cyber Discovery was a initiative run between 2017 and 2021, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It looked to "support and encourage schoolchildren to develop some of the key skills they would need to work in the growing cyber security sector"[1] and engaged with teenagers across the United Kingdom through extracurricular activities.
Description
editEach year, students could register online, either as individuals or as members of an extracurricular club, and take part in an initial aptitude assessment referred to as "CyberStart Assess".[2]
Selected students were then invited to participate in a second phase, "CyberStart Game", consisting of a variety of gamified challenges relating to a variety of Cyber Security topics, alongside sections dedicated to programming, digital forensics and penetration testing. Students could also participate in "CyberStart Essentials", a more traditional virtual learning platform with explanations and exercises covering fundamental computing and cyber security topics.[3][non-primary source needed]
Highly capable[clarification needed] participants[according to whom?] each year, based on their performance in previous phases, were selected for a final phase, "CyberStart Elite", involving additional exclusive events during which training and development opportunities were offered.[citation needed]
History
editThe Cyber Discovery program, initially referred to as the "Cyber Schools Program"[4], was opened to tender in February 2017 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. SANS Institute, BT Group, FutureLearn and Cyber Security Challenge UK were selected to deliver the program.[citation needed]
In July 2017, the scheme opened for registrations of interest, and was subsequently rebranded to Cyber Discovery in November 2017 when registrations for Assess opened.[5]
Year 1
editStudents in Key Stage 4 and 5 based in England were invited to participate through registering on the scheme's website.
Year 1 had over 20,000 registrations for Assess, over 7,000 invites issued for Game, and invited 170 students to one of three "Elite Camp" events.[6]
Year 2
editEligibility for the program was expanded to include students across the UK, aged between 14 and 18.[7]
At the Elite phase, participants were given the opportunity to train for GIAC certifications at in-person events, with 89 participants achieving a certification.[6]
Year 3
editEligibility for the program was further expanded to include those aged 13.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Elite phase activities took place remotely.[6]
Year 4
editA "Virtual Cyber School" was established in May 2020 as part of the program[8], providing access to the Game element of the program to all applicants, alongside weekly webinars.
In place of extended camps, the Elite phase instead consisted of an online event, which included panel discussions and a Capture the flag event.[6]
Closure
editThe Cyber Discovery program was not renewed, and ended at the end of it's 4-year tendered duration. An independent evaluation of the program was released in August 2021.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Extracurricular cyber clubs to inspire and identify tomorrow's cyber security professionals". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ Winder, Davey. "Teenage Hackers Wanted: Could Your Kid Be The Next £20 Million Cybersecurity Superhero?". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "The free programme that empowered over 100,000 young people to try cyber security". joincyberdiscovery.com. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "Cyber Schools Programme". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "UK seeks future cyber-security stars". BBC News. 2017-11-18. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ a b c d e "Cyber Discovery Evaluation". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ published, Connor Jones (2018-11-14). "Cyber security skills initiative extends to Scotland and Northern Ireland after successful trial in England". ITPro. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "New virtual cyber school gives teens chance to try out as cyber security agents from home". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
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