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September 19, 2014

Giving small firms the tools to tackle cyber crime

Giving small firms the tools to tackle cyber crimeThe government has teamed up with the Open University to launch a free online course to raise awareness of cyber security and help business owners improve their knowledge and skills.

The course, Introduction to Cyber Security, starts on 13 October and will run four times a year for the next three years. Eight modules – covering topics such as malware, cryptography and how to manage cyber risks – will be offered over eight weeks, with each module taking two to three hours.

The course aims to raise awareness of cyber security amongst the public and businesses – especially small firms. Developed with the Open University, it is the first of its kind anywhere in the world to gain government support. The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) course is open to all and has the potential to reach 200,000 students.

Ed Vaizey, minister for culture and the digital economy, said: “The government has a vision for a vibrant, resilient and secure cyberspace, contributing to economic prosperity, national security and a strong society. This vision can only become a reality if we have a strong cyber security skills base in the UK, both within government and the private sector. The launch of the cyber security MOOC takes us a step closer to that goal.”

The government’s National Cyber Security Programme is funding the course, as part of an £860 million investment over five years aimed at protecting and promoting the UK in cyberspace.

The course will be available on FutureLearn.com, a platform which hosts free online courses from a range of UK and international universities. Martin Bean, vice-chancellor of the Open University, said: “This course will combine the expertise of the OU’s leading academics with the insight only the government can offer in this important field.”

Participants can register for the course on the Future Learn website.

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