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Aberdeen IT and cyber security company Converged Communication Solutions has joined forces with Robert Gordon’s College to mark tomorrow’s [Tuesday, 08 February] Safer Internet Day.
Chief security officer Robbie Ross is heading back to the classroom to help educate pupils about staying safe online as part of a global day of action on the subject. The cyber safety expert will deliver sessions virtually to pupils in primaries five, six and seven at the Aberdeen school.
The sessions will explore the different ways that pupils are likely to use the internet and explain how everyone leaves behind digital footprints during their time online. What people of all ages can do to stay safe online and help to protect private information will also be discussed, alongside the other steps individuals can take to be good digital citizens.
Robbie will also speak about the importance of passwords, highlighting passwords that are commonly used around the world, some of which can be easily guessed. Pupils will be shown how to create a secure password or passphrase. To encourage pupils to discuss internet safety with their parents, they will be challenged to speak to them about how safe and resilient their own online passwords are as part of a bid to improve their online security.
Safer Internet Day is held annually in February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world. Now in its nineteenth year, the theme of the initiative is ‘Together for a better internet’ and calls for all stakeholders to work in partnership to make the internet a safer and better space for everyone.
Robbie Ross, chief security officer, Converged Communication Solutions, said: “It is great to have the opportunity to speak to the pupils at Robert Gordon’s College about the importance of internet safety and explaining how we all create digital footprints. These youngsters have all grown up in an internet world, so may not be as guarded as older generations when interacting with others online.
“Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for us all to consider how we use the internet and communicate over it, so that we stay safe and are respectful to others while online. A robust password can be a great first line of defence in staying safe online. Understanding that can help us all to be more digitally secure in our lives.”
Ciara Houston, Robert Gordon’s College junior school e-safety coordinator, said: “We are delighted to have Robbie involved in helping us celebrate Safer Internet Day at Robert Gordon’s College. Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote in Robert Gordon’s College, and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year. Having someone as experienced in cyber safety as Robbie, speaking with our older pupils in Junior School is such a great opportunity and it is always fantastic to make connections within our community.”
