An Aberdeen-based ‘cyber academy’ is to deliver online safety and security training to 70,000 children in Bahrain.
OSP Cyber Academy has signed a strategic partnership deal with Bahrain’s National Cyber Security Centre to bolster cyber skills and awareness for young students across the Kingdom.
The NCSC-accredited leader in cybersecurity awareness training will deliver ‘culturally tailored, gamified cyber awareness courses designed to enhance students’ understanding of digital citizenship and cybersecurity best practices’.
There are a total of four interactive courses that have been developed to provide dedicated cyber awareness training for 70,000 children, tailored to age groups 6–8, 9–11, 12–14, and 15–17.
The courses feature avatars of both a boy and a girl guiding learners through real-world online safety scenarios set against digital environments inspired by key Bahraini landmarks. With question prompts and interactive learning, the platform promises ‘high knowledge retention in a fun and relatable way’.
The initiative is launched in collaboration with His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed AlKhalifa, CEO of NCSC Bahrain, and builds upon OSP Cyber Academy’s longstanding engagement with the Kingdom.
Tommy McCarthy, CEO of OSP CyberAcademy, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce our new partnership with NCSC Bahrain and to bring our online courses to such an important demographic. Children grow up in a digital world and it is vital they know how to navigate the environment safely.
“Whether it’s learning, socialising, playing games or interacting with friends, the online world hosts a huge proportion of a child’s life. We must ensure that children understand the risks that lurk online, have the ability to spot danger and understand security best practices. Our courses have been designed specifically to suit these needs but in a format that is enjoyable for children. The games are interactive, fun, but they also provide guidance for children which will help keep them safe online.”
The new school curriculum has been crafted by OSP’s team of educators and cybersecurity professionals, many of whom come from policing and teaching backgrounds.
