Course overview - Study Period 1 - Unit 1 - Cyber Security
Study Period 2 - Unit 2 - Fundamentals of Computer Networks
Unit 1 – Cyber Security
Learners commence their GCSE Computer Science course in gaining knowledge and understanding of the range of cybersecurity threats that impact the world, our organisations, and us as individuals. The learners start by defining fundamental terms, such as cybersecurity and network security. They then progress to understanding different forms of attack, both non-automated and automated. Examining the different techniques used by social engineers (perpetrating non-automated attacks) enables the learners to protect themselves against tactics such as blagging, phishing, and pharming. They also learn about automated cybercrime, including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and SQL injection.
The learners then take this further by examining how organisations design and use networks and software to reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack, for example by using firewalls, MAC address filtering, automatic software upgrades, and modular testing. They also learn about the policy side of organisations, understanding how levels of access and network policies can protect an organisation.
Once they have understood the impact of cybercrime, they learn about how companies identify and reduce vulnerability through penetration testing. Lastly, the unit encourages learners to be inspired to be part of the solution, as they find out about the potential for lucrative and fulfilling careers in cybersecurity.
Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Networks
The next Unit of work that Learners are introduced to, is computer networks and how they have become an integral part of our daily lives. This unit allows learners to explore how a computer network works from the hardware required to the protocols used for communication.
Key Concept:
Ethics, Security, Networks
Assessment Points:
Unit 1 – Cyber Security
End of Unit Summative Assessment before half-term in October to complete the Unit of Work.
Unit 2 – Fundamentals of Computer Networks
End of Unit Summative Assessment
Guidance:
Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways. These include marked assessments, reports, verbal feedback, written feedback in books, 1:1 interaction, Google Classroom and whole class feedback.
Key Vocabulary:
Cyber Security, Penetration Testing, Social Engineering, Phishing, Pharming, Shouldering, Blagging, Malicious, Detection, Prevention, Trojans, Virus, Worms, CAPTCHA, Wired, Wireless, Networks, Topology, Transmission, Security, Protocols, Layers