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Conference Paper/Proceeding/Abstract 1041 views 169 downloads

A UK Case Study on Cybersecurity Education and Accreditation

Tom Crick Orcid Logo, James H. Davenport, Alastair Irons, Tom Prickett

2019 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)

Swansea University Author: Tom Crick Orcid Logo

Abstract

This paper presents a national case study-based analysis of the numerous dimensions to cybersecurity education and how they are implemented and accredited; from understanding the interaction of hardware and software, moving from theory to practice (and vice versa), to human factors, policy and polit...

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Published in: 2019 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)
ISBN: 9781728117461
ISSN: 1539-4565 2377-634X
Published: Covington, KY, USA, USA IEEE 2020
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51085
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Abstract: This paper presents a national case study-based analysis of the numerous dimensions to cybersecurity education and how they are implemented and accredited; from understanding the interaction of hardware and software, moving from theory to practice (and vice versa), to human factors, policy and politics (as well as other important facets). A multitude of model curricula and recommendations have been presented and discussed in international fora in recent years, with varying levels of impact on education, policy and practice. This paper address three key questions: i) What is taught and what should be taught for cybersecurity to general computer science students; ii) Should cybersecurity be taught stand-alone or in an integrated manner to general computer science students; and iii) Can accreditation by national professional, statutory and regulatory bodies enhance the provision of cybersecurity within a body’s jurisdiction?Evaluating how cybersecurity is taught in all aspects of computer science is clearly a task of considerable size, one that is beyond the scope of this paper. Instead a case study-based research approach, primarily focusing on the UK, has been adopted to evaluate the evidence of the teaching of cybersecurity within general computer science to university-level students. Thus, in the context of widespread international computer science/engineering curriculum reform, what does this need to embed cybersecurity mean more generally for institutions and educators, and how can we teach this subject more effectively? Through this UK case study, and by contrasting with the US, we demonstrate the positive effect that national accreditation requirements can have, and give some recommendations both for future research and curriculum developments.
Item Description: Extended preprint available here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1906.09584
Keywords: Cybersecurity, curricula, accreditation, computer science education, public policy, UK
College: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences