Workshops will help young people become more aware of cyber security
Visitors to Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of programming and coding to help them deal with cyber security threats, thanks to a new workshop being delivered throughout the summer.
With technologies advancing faster than ever, the shift to online platforms has led to a greater necessity to embrace the digital world. One of the greatest challenges currently facing young people is feeling safe online.
The Be Cyber Smart workshops, which will run twice daily from Saturday July 31st until September 19th, support research which indicates that an increased level of programming awareness, including an introduction to coding skills, can lead to greater understanding of online security, increasing cyber resilience.
ASC’s digital-themed workshops will introduce young people and families to the world of programming, opening up important discussions regarding how to stay safe and secure online. Participants will take part in a range of interactive scenario-based activities and challenges, all aimed at helping raise awareness of cyber security by breaking down the building blocks of the digital world.
ASC’s cyber-safe themed activities launches on Thursday July 29, with Keeping Yourself Safe from Fraud and Scams, the second in the online STEM Exchange lunchtime talk series. Open to everyone, but of particular interest to families watching with teenagers or those who live with or work with young people, the free talk takes place from 12.30-1.15pm and can be booked via ASC’s Eventbrite page.
The session will be led by led by Samantha Mooney, community banker and STEM ambassador, who spends much of her time working with victims of scams and educating communities how to spot scams and protect themselves. She’ll talk about the techniques scammers employ and the types of scams being used today, using real life examples to illustrate her points. She’ll also discuss how scammers are targeting young people through
“No one is immune from being targeted by scammers, and the consequences and impact on victims can be devastating,” said Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre. “The workshop will help participants gain a better understanding about the digital technologies behind these and, armed with that knowledge, raise awareness of the importance of cyber-security and how it can help keep them safer online.”
Having a knowledge of how programming works is a key skill employers look for when considering cyber security specific roles. Introducing these concepts and sparking interest for the subject from a young age is a fundamental aim of the workshop. ASC is committed to educating the public about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and promoting careers in each field.
The Be Cyber Smart workshop series and online talk are both proudly supported by Digital Xtra Fund. Created in 2016, the goal of Digital Xtra Fund is for every young person in Scotland to have access to innovative and digitally creative activities regardless of gender, background or where they live. Backed by a wide range of industry and government partners, the Fund has helped more than 100 schools and organisations engage with thousands of young people across the country in a variety of extracurricular computing activities. Through its annual grants programme, Digital Xtra Fund aims to inspire the next generation of developers, designers and digital leaders in Scotland.
Be Cyber Smart workshops are available to ASC visitors on a first come, first served basis. The ‘Keeping Yourself Safe from Fraud and Scams’ talk will run from 12.30pm to 1.15pm, including a Q&A session. To register for free, visit Eventbrite.
To visit Aberdeen Science Centre, tickets should be booked in advance at https://dev.aberdeensciencecentre.org/product/admission-tickets/