• raspberry pi
  • National Centre for Computing Education logo

Introduction to Cybersecurity for Teachers

Explore key concepts of cybersecurity to teach students aged 14 to 16 with this online cybersecurity course supported by Google.

12,790 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Improve your students' knowledge of computer security

Teaching cybersecurity in schools is an important way to help students stay safe while using technology. On this course, teachers will be introduced to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

You will learn the different attacks that individuals and devices are vulnerable to and how to prevent them. You will explore malware, malicious bots, SQL injections, and physical threats to data. You will also build your knowledge of the different tools that protect data and websites. These include strong passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication, and firewalls.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 2 seconds How strong is your email password? What’s the best defence against malware? What are the telltale signs of a phishing scam? How does a firewall work? This course will introduce you to the core principles of cybersecurity and how to protect yourself against cyberattacks. This free course contains peer-led discussions, trainer interaction, and feedback on your knowledge as you progress. You can learn whenever and wherever you want. You’ll investigate elements of cybersecurity from the GCSE computing syllabus.

Skip to 0 minutes and 35 seconds So whether you’re a teacher with students of your own or simply curious about how to protect your digital self, this course will help you gain an understanding of the different ways that attackers may try to access your devices and data as well as how you can prepare your defences. Sign up now at rpf.io/cybersecurity.

What topics will you cover?

  • Core concepts of Cybersecurity
  • Different types of cyberattacks, such as Social Engineering attacks, Malware, SQL injections, Malicious Bots and physical threats to data, devices and networks
  • Tools to protect data, devices and networks, like strong passwords, biometrics, 2FA, antivirus software, Firewalls and CAPTCHAs
  • Cybersecurity approaches such as input sanitisation, well designed security protocols, and Data and Network Access Control systems

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the meanings of terms describing common cyberattacks, such as phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing and blagging
  • Evaluate the strength of a password
  • Explain the protections offered to users by the Misuse of Computer Act
  • Describe different types of cyber attack, such as an “SQL injection attack”, and how these can be protected against or mitigated
  • Classify different types of malware
  • Explain how “anti-virus” software works
  • Explain the processes used to protect a network

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for teachers delivering cybersecurity lessons in the classroom, at a GCSE level or equivalent.

What do people say about this course?

Great examples that I will be able to use in lessons.

"Thank you very much. It was an excellent course with great examples that I will be able to use in lessons."

This will greatly assist me in returning to teaching Computing/ICT

"Thank you for this excellent course. This will greatly assist me in returning to teaching Computing/ICT after nearly 10 years away from the subject. The level is set just right."

Who will you learn with?

Hey, my name is Mac. I am a Learning Manager at The Raspberry Pi Foundation. I love teaching and digital making, especially when I get to do them both at the same time.

Hi. I am one of the team at Raspberry Pi with responsibility for content across A level and GCSE materials for Computer Science.

My main area of specialisation is computer networking and security

Who developed the course?

Raspberry Pi Foundation

The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.

National Centre for Computing Education

This course is part of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Funded by the Department for Education and partners, we aim to change the way computing is taught in schools across England, and enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject.

If you are a teacher in England you can get free upgraded access to this course, and use it towards NCCE certification. To do this, you must join the course through the Teach Computing website

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Google logo

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...