The Schools Cyber Security Challenges are designed to provide high school teachers with resources to support the teaching of cyber security concepts, and to inform students of career opportunities in the field.
The Challenges are classroom ready, and aligned with both the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and the ICT Capability.
The Schools Cyber Security Challenges have been developed by the Australian Computing Academy at the University of Sydney, in partnership with AustCyber, ANZ, BT, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, and Westpac.
The Challenges explore general topics like personal information security and data sharing, as well as technical topics such as cryptography and network security. A range of engaging activities involving investigation, deduction and programming develop student knowledge, skills and dispositions as they work their way through increasingly difficult problems.
In the first half of 2019, a series of roadshows throughout Australia will showcase the Challenges and offer professional development for teachers. If you’d like to be involved, send us an email and we’ll let you know when we’re coming to your nearest capital city.
This Challenge teaches personal information security using the innovative approach of thinking from a hacker’s point-of-view. Students will learn to value the importance of password strength and protection, as well as discover just how vulnerable private information can be online.
Internet sleuthing exercises will enable them to try compromising the accounts of fictitious personalities in simulations of popular social media sites and smartphone apps.
This Challenge introduces basic cryptography concepts in relation to data representation and securing online communication, and how these are implemented through code.
This Challenge teaches the fundamentals of wired and wireless networks and the underlying principles of digital systems using BBC micro:bits.
This Challenge demonstrates the importance of security in web applications by exposing typical flaws in websites that can be exploited using tools built into the web browser.
A national roadshow and professional workshops for teachers are be scheduled through 2019. Send us an email to register your interest in attending an event in your nearest major centre.
In the meantime, the resources below can be used to promote the Challenges in your education and industry networks and raise awareness of this exciting opportunity, available to all teachers and high school students from all education sectors.
On 19 February 2019 the Schools Cyber Security Challenges were officially launched. Hear from teachers, students, parents and industry why this is such an important initiative.
Students and teachers talk about the Challenges. Share this video on your favourite social media platforms.
Industry sees the Challenges as a step to securing our workforce into the future. Share their thoughts on your socials.
Download a poster for display in your school or workplace, promoting the challenges to your staff and visitors.
Grab a copy of our Information Security poster to display in your classroom or stafroom. Are you #ShareAware?
Cryptography involves encoding data as numbers and applying encryption algorithms. This poster explains the fundamental ideas.
Do you Know your risks when sharing online? Our Cyber Security card game helps identify what is and isn't safe to share.
Learn cryptography without computers. Our cipher wheels help you decode rotation ciphers easily.
