Cyber Ireland’s South-East Chapter, in partnership with SETU and CALMAST, is inviting 20 secondary schools in the region to take part in its brand new cybersecurity programme, launching in January 2025.
The programme runs for five weeks and consists of weekly, one-hour sessions that introduce students to the fascinating world of cybersecurity. Schools will also have a visit from a cybersecurity professional who can give hands-on insight into what it’s like to work in this diverse and exciting field.
Alongside SETU and its partners, the programme is sponsored by leading cyber companies demonstrating the clear emphasis on cybersecurity as a career path that is in high demand. Companies include State Street, Cyber Ireland, Stryve Secure, Security Risk Advisors (SRA), Sun Life, and UKG. Engagement with these companies gives students the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends and career insights.
Speaking about the increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals, Paul Delahunty, Chief Information Security Officer at Stryve Secure, says, “Cybersecurity is only at the beginning of its evolution. Getting school kids involved and interested in cybersecurity is crucial, and this initiative is a fun and innovative way to give them a taster of it.”
Cybersecurity is a booming industry, especially in Ireland's southeast region. According to Cyber Ireland, the number of cybersecurity jobs is set to double between 2024 and 2030 nationally. This offers a wealth of opportunity for young people entering the field. Companies like Stryve Secure, a major cybersecurity employer in Carlow, are keen to inspire the next generation of professionals.
Dr James Egan, lecturer in Cybersecurity at SETU, emphasises the importance of attracting young people to the industry. He says, “Cybersecurity is an exciting career for people who love problem-solving and want every workday to be different. We are particularly looking to encourage more females to join the field, and we hope these activities will spark interest and show students what a career in cyber is all about.”
At participating schools, teachers are provided with full guidance, including learning and presentation materials with voiceovers, from SETU’s cybersecurity lecturers, as well as from participating cyber professionals
Programme activities include hands-on tasks such as ‘Defend the Hospital’, a cyberattack simulation where students protect sensitive data or ‘Solving a Murder Using Digital Forensics’ which provides a chance to investigate and uncover digital clues. Other activities are ‘Hide Secret Messages Using Steganography’ where students will learn how to encode and decode hidden messages, while ‘How to Rob a Bank’ is a fun educational activity exploring common methods of cyber fraud. These sessions will provide a deeper look at the tools, skills, and career opportunities available in the field of cybersecurity.
For more information and how to sign up, contact [email protected]