Transition Year Students Gain Valuable Cybersecurity Skills Through Immersive Simulated Cyber-Attack Scenario

04 Jul, 2023

Min read

group of students working together

In an effort to equip young individuals with crucial cybersecurity knowledge and combat cybercrime, CyberSkills and CyberFutures have organized a series of innovative Scenario Exercise events for Transition Year students. Held at the Nimbus Research Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, these events provided students with a hands-on experience of a simulated cyber-attack scenario. 

The tabletop exercise conducted by CyberSkills aimed to educate participants about the significance of cybersecurity and deepen their understanding of its importance. The students were immersed in a fictional company setting, where they assumed roles within a company facing a cyber-attack. 

The exercise revolved around a fictitious pharmaceutical company named PharmaFutures, which manufactured both paracetamol and type two diabetes medications. Divided into five departments—Human Resources, Public Relations and Marketing, Legal, IT, and Finance and Operations—the students assumed roles within these departments and were tasked with making critical decisions and providing assistance during the cyber-attack simulation. 

To set the stage, the lecturer, posing as the head of cybersecurity, conducted a live demonstration illustrating the visual cues of a cyber-attack on computer screens. Flashing red lights alerted the IT department to further investigate the detected breach within the system. This initial step prompted the departments to outline their department's priorities before the cyber-attack occurred, followed by their requests for assistance from other departments once the attack was underway. 

Throughout the exercise, the students experienced lively interruptions designed to create a sense of urgency and keep them on their toes. Staged interruptions included simulated pharmacy calls inquiring about the arrival of paracetamol supplies, which prompted the students to collaborate and make decisions. Additionally, the receptionist contacted the Public Relations department, demanding responses to numerous press inquiries. 

The Transition Year students warmly embraced the simulated scenario experience, which led to engaging debates and insightful discussions on various cybersecurity topics. The exercise effectively introduced key cybersecurity concepts and left the students with valuable takeaways. The interactive and dynamic nature of the activity received positive feedback from the students, who appreciated the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity in a fun and engaging manner, departing from the traditional lecture-style format. 

For schools interested in organizing the CyberSkills cyber-attack scenario event, please contact us at info@cyberfutures.ie or info@cyberskills.ie. 

Related Posts

Dr Donna OShea, Cybersecurity courses

Dr. Donna O’Shea Nominated for STEM Woman of the Year Award 2024

Dr. Donna O'Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity at MTU and Cyber Skills Project Lead, has been nominated for STEM Woman of the Year at the 2024 Women in STEM Awards. This nomination recognizes her significant contributions to Ireland's cybersecurity landscape and her efforts to promote diversity in STEM. Join us on October 24th for a night celebrating inspiring women shaping the future of STEM in Ireland.

Read more
Cybersecurity Awareness Course for University Lecturers

Free Online Cybersecurity Awareness Course for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Enhance your cybersecurity skills with a free, 6-week online course designed for educators in tertiary education. Learn to protect digital classrooms from cyber threats and safeguard student data with expert-led instruction from Cyber Skills and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. Starts October 4, 2024—sign up today!

Read more
Cyber Ireland

Cyber Skills and Cyber Innovate at Cyber Ireland National Conference 2024

Cyber Skills and Cyber Innovate will be actively participating in the upcoming Cyber Ireland National Conference (CINC) on Thursday, 26th September 2024, at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. This premier event unites the cyber security community, featuring leaders from industry, academia, and government.

Read more