Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing modules have been added to the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) CyberEPQ for all students from September 2024. The CIISec reports that the CyberEPQ is the only secondary education qualification that will include learning about these topics. With AI posing challenges besides solutions to cybersecurity, and quantum computing set to revolutionise encryption โ the foundations of security โ itโs vital that the next generation of the cyber workforce understand these issues, CIISec points out.
Some 74 per cent of the 2023/24 CyberEPQ cohort achieved A star to B grades. Available to any student over the age of 14, the CyberEPQ is aimed at bringing new and diverse talent into the industry, as a stepping stone into a cyber career. A completed CyberEPQ accounts for up to 28 UCAS points โ the equivalent of half an A-level โ for students aspiring to progress to university.
Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, says: โIf the cybersecurity curriculum doesnโt reflect todayโs threats, young people will enter the workforce without a proper understanding of the challenges they face. AI is starting to emerge as a real danger, and itโs generally accepted that weโre five to ten years from a quantum computing revolution. On that timeline, todayโs young people will be protecting us from these threats. Educators must react quickly and equip the next generation for the challenges of tomorrow.โ
The quantum computing module will explore the differences between classical and quantum computers and their applications in cybersecurity โ including how quantum-safe cryptography is, and how organisations can prepare for it. The AI module will cover how the technology is used to protect and attack systems, as well as how AI models themselves are vulnerable to attack.
The number of girls taking the EPQ increased by a fifth (19pc) year-on-year, and 90pc of students came from state schools. Almost one-in-five (18pc) schools that ran the EPQ were CyberFirst schools, with the course funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Finch adds: โGlobally, thereโs a 4 million person skills gap in the cybersecurity industry. Diversity, and showing that thereโs a place for everyone in cyber, will be crucial to bridging this void. Itโs heartening to see that more girls than ever are taking the EPQ and that state schools are well represented. An engaging, contemporary course โ as well as continued government funding โ will help to increase engagement from students across the educational spectrum, which will help to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry.โ
Enrolment for the 2024-25 CyberEPQ โ which includes the new modules โ is now open. To enrol, email cyberepq@ciisec.org. Visit https://www.ciisec.org/development-hub/cyberepq/.
