According to the National Cyber Security Centre, with cyber security information overload, many organisations find it difficult to explain the technical aspects of cyber security in ways that are relevant to their staff. With this in mind Weston College have developed a unique blended Cyber Security CPD course, which is being rolled out to their staff, as part of its significant investment and commitment to train all of its key staff in cyber security awareness.

The model developed in partnership with its digital experts as a Microsoft Showcase College and its IT experts as members of the BCS Chartered Institute of IT and CISCO Networking Academy combines online knowledge with the chance to separate fact from fiction, using interactive demonstrations and Q&A’s with a cyber security expert to offer a ‘real world’ learning experience.

The event which was held in the prestigious Winter Gardens was led by one of the College’s tutors, who is a leading UK cyber specialist with a proven track record of effective cyber security training, coupled with extensive experience of working with Avon and Somerset Police.

The session was not only designed to engage staff to gain a better understanding of cyber security at work and how to minimise risk, it also was designed to show the impact of cyber security at home and even included a simulated ‘live hack’, to show staff how easy it is for cyber criminals to access personal and sensitive information and how they exploit it.

Mark Barnett the Dean of Faculty for Digital said “The course was underpinned by a recognised qualification and digital badge to recognise the collective achievement made. With over 200 staff trained to date - this was by no means a passive event and attendees have openly praised its approach to provide the simple tools and techniques needed to improve cyber safety in the workplace and at home. The style of training definitely brought the message home with 100% stating that it had significantly raised their understanding of cyber security, through the real world learning of a ‘simulated hack’ before their very eyes, and the opportunity for in depth discussion with such a high qualified cyber security professional. Attendees also had access to the College’s convenient and easy to use online platform to provide key information and assess the knowledge gained”.

The Principal Sir Paul Phillips said “the event was a unique approach designed to change behaviours and attitudes and to make ‘cyber security everyone’s business’. The bespoke training has provided confidence and clarity, and is one of a number of measures that the College has put in place to reduce our organisational risk, which includes enhanced system protection, clear processes and visible campaigns regarding key messages. All of this is helping to ensure that there is a ‘collective culture of cyber security responsibility’ to protect students, staff and their families from the threats we face online and within the workplace.”

The CPD programme has been a fantastic success and already the College has received a number of enquiries from businesses in the region who are looking for a more effective and engaging course, with the College soon to deliver training for the NHS in a similar bespoke way. Employers who are interested can email employers@weston.ac.uk for more information. For those who are interested in digital studies, the College also has its own University Centre University Centre Weston as well as being the lead for the West of England Institute of Technology and offers significant digital provision in cyber security, data analytics, computing, web design, software development and digital and technology solutions, across many different levels including apprenticeships and degrees. See more by clicking the links below.

• Computing and Digital Technologies courses for school leavers
• Part-time Digital and High Tech courses for adults
• Degree Level courses and apprenticeships with UCW