As CyberScotland Week kicks off, IT and business consulting firm CGI has brought its ‘Cyber Escape’ experience to Edinburgh to help participants test and better their cybersecurity skills.
Designed to complement existing security awareness training, Cyber Escape is a free escape room-style experience, providing groups of up to six with a practical opportunity to improve their knowledge by completing puzzles and tasks.
Security practices worked on include protecting privacy and creating strong passwords, device and document handling, and navigating social media.
Built inside a roving mobile unit, Cyber Escape was first based at CGI’s Tweedbank offices earlier this month. It then moved to Edinburgh Napier University for several days, before heading to Atlantic Quay in Leith where it’s currently located for CyberScotland Week.
Lindsay McGranaghan, Senior Vice President Scotland and Northern Ireland, CGI, said: “Our Cyber Escape experience is an excellent and accessible way to learn the key fundamentals of cyber security.
“It uses real-world interaction as a way to reinforce the learning it advocates, so that those who take part will learn very quickly and effectively what they need to do to protect themselves from would-be hackers.”
So far this month, schools, Edinburgh Napier University, and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) have been among the Scottish organisations to go through CGI’s Cyber Escape.
Claire Gillespie, Sector Manager for Digital Technologies at SDS, said: “Cyber security is an increasing priority for employers of all sizes and across all sectors, forming a fundamental part of their digital skills needs.
“SDS is working to help employers meet those needs, but as an employer ourselves we also recognise the importance of supporting colleagues to enhance their skills and awareness. The CGI Cyber Escape experience is a useful addition to that support, illustrating why so many businesses view this as a priority area.”
In particular, for staff members at Edinburgh Napier University, the experience has led to “new conversations about secure behaviour.”
Graeme Hamilton, Information Security Manager at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Like many other organisations, Edinburgh Napier University faces challenges in making security awareness engaging for our staff. Therefore, we gladly accepted CGI’s offer of the Cyber Escape experience and have not been disappointed that we did.
“Not only have people had fun participating, but this has led to new conversations about secure behaviour and hopefully a positive shift in our security culture.”
CyberScotland Week runs from February 27th to March 5th.
Source: DIGIT