The UK Gov would be offering a free online course on cyber security with an objective of equipping the next generation with the requisite knowledge and expertise to become experts in cyber security.
In this regard the government has joined hands with the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and the course content has been developed by the Open University. It is one-of-its-kind courses that would be receiving government funding and backing.
It would be accessible to interested individuals through FutureLearn.com – the site hosts free online courses for universities situated in the UK and overseas.
Under the course, contents relating to network security, cryptography, malware, the threat landscape and ways to reduce cyber risks would be taught. The course would be provided four times in a year over the next 36 months.
With the launch of the course, minister for culture and the digital economy, Ed Vaizey, said, it would narrow down the skill gap in cyber security.
He said that the government has an objective for creating a “vibrant, resilient and secure cyberspace,” which in the long run would help ushering in economic growth, national security and a stronger society. Vaizey added that these objectives could only be achieved if there is a strong poll of human resources having cyber security skills.
Vice chancellor of the Open University Martin Bean, said individuals who are interested in taking up the course can be assured that the best in the field would be imparting the knowledge and expertise through the course.