Students all set to battle cybercrime
Posted: 02 April 2019
Students from West Nottinghamshire College are joining forces with Leicestershire Police to help combat cybercrime, in a scheme rolling out across the East Midlands.
Over 200 computer science, public services and business students were given a presentation at the college’s university centre’s lecture theatre by staff from Leicestershire Police Force’s cybercrime department which focused on smart home systems and web routers which are vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Students learnt from police staff how quickly cyber criminals can hack into systems such as baby monitors, smart heating and entertainment systems and other wireless systems.
Police representatives highlighted how members of the public can help to protect themselves from cybercrime by protecting their software and appliances by routinely changing passwords. They also spoke about the new ambassador scheme which they are launching to encourage young people to get involved in helping to protect their communities.
Cyber security officer Richard Haywood, who delivered the presentation, said: “We’ve been talking about the rise of cybercrime in general. We’re exceptionally pleased that West Nottinghamshire College is recognising the importance of these emerging threats and is putting their students at the forefront of the battle with cybercrime.
“It’s good to see that this community is trying to engage with cyber security ensuring their local communities can reduce being faced with these threats. It only takes two or three individuals to get the word around and make a difference by being an ambassador.”
Computer science curriculum manager Trudi Dean said: “We’re asking our learners to come up with five principals of cyber security which they can then promote if they take on an ambassadorial role. Becoming an ambassador could help lead them into visiting local schools to spreading the word about cyber security and it will prove great experience for their CVs.
“Some of the students will also be starting to come up with concepts for a logo design competition which will become the visual for the cybercrime ambassador scheme.”