Unit 06. Cybersecurity – I’m a cyber security consultant

This unit is available through our KS3 Resource Centre. We will review and update it once the draft National Curriculum 2028 Programme of Study is published to ensure full alignment. These updates will be provided free of charge to users with active KS3 Resource Centre access.

Unit description

Recognising common online threats to data and knowing how to protect personal information.

Unit career

I’m a cyber security consultant.

“As a cybersecurity consultant, I protect organisations from digital threats. This involves assessing security measures, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing strategies to safeguard sensitive information. My goal is to ensure robust defences against cyberattacks, keeping data secure and businesses running smoothly.”

Key Question

All the activities in this unit enable students to answer the key question:

How can we protect ourselves and others from online threats?

Knowledge statements

This is achieved by students studying 4 “Learn-it” lessons, each of which focus on one knowledge statement:

1. Know how to recognise common online threats.
   E.g. phishing scams, malware, and other cyberattacks.
2. Know the importance of protecting personal information using human strategies.
   E.g. strong passwords, privacy settings and trust.
3. Know the importance of protecting data using security software.
   E.g. Windows defender, Norton, McAfee etc.
   E.g. virus scanning, suspicious websites/downloads, firewall & VPN.
4. Know basic hacking techniques that are used.

What is included in this unit?

• Teacher guide providing a detailed overview of the unit.
• 6 Lesson folders:
  • 4 “Learn-it” lessons with a teacher PowerPoint and student workbook.
  • 1 “Make-it” lesson with assessment materials for teachers and students.
  • 1 “Review-it” lesson with an end of topic MCQ test, assessment grid, peer assessment and self-reflection.
• Any additional resources and materials needed for the activities are provided in the lesson folders.
• 6 detailed lesson plans explaining how to teach the 3 lesson phases.
• Extension activities with model answers.
• 3 independent homework question sheets supported by 3 online videos hosted on Tella.
• Reading activities with questions.

Samples

You can take a look inside our Key Stage 3 resources by watching our showcase videos.