Immersive ‘cyber lab’ designed to improve cybersecurity skills
Check Point Software Technologies’ SecureAcademy has joined forces with with Dundee & Angus College (D&A) to help train the next generation of cybersecurity specialists and tackle the nation’s cybersecurity skills shortage.
As part of the collaboration, the college will host a brand-new cyber lab, in order to create a more immersive learning environment.
By partnering with Check Point SecureAcademy, D&A hopes to provide students with the most up-to-date syllabus, which is especially important in cybersecurity where the threats and technology are constantly evolving.
Five D&A college lecturers will complete the Check Point Certified Security Administrator training, enabling them to teach a range of cybersecurity courses geared towards computing students.
The college also hopes to retain talent in Dundee and provide students with the right skills to begin a career in cybersecurity.
The cyber lab was initially launched in June 2019 to create a more immersive learning environment to deliver the Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Cybersecurity. Now, with SecureAcademy courses, D&A is also able to offer the latest industry recognised qualifications.
The partnership will also see the incorporation of professionally led, interactive activities such as hackathons. At the end of the learning, students will gain a globally recognised certification, hopefully putting them in an advantageous position when they enter the job market.
James Oliver, head of curriculum and quality for computing at at D&A said: “One of the things we love about SecureAcademy is that courses keep up with the fast-paced changes in the industry. We’re thrilled to be a Check Point SecureAcademy partner, and both our students and staff stand to benefit so much from the knowledge and guidance of this industry leader.”
Closing the cybersecurity skills gap is essential for protecting the UK’s businesses, especially considering that cybercrime is at an all-time high. According to Check Point Research, British companies experienced an average of 604 cyberattacks a week over the last six months.
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