Fighting cybercrime with qualifications

Cybersecurity is a serious issue.

Businesses, public sector organisations, educational institutions and countless individuals have fallen victim to cybercrime.

In fact, hardly a week goes by without national media reporting on cybercrime and the knock-on effects: data loss, system outages, identity theft and worse.

Gateway Qualifications responded to this issue by launching the Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity, a qualification designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge to protect their organisations, and themselves from cybercrime.

Startling stats

Globally, cybercrime is growing. In the UK, the government’s ‘Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024’ showed that half of UK businesses experienced a cyber-attack or security breach in the past year.

And Action Fraud reported that online UK scam victims lost a total of £63.8 million, with an average loss of £720 per victim.

These startling statistics show there is a pressing need for nationally recognised cybersecurity awareness, training and qualifications.

Gateway Qualifications developed the Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity in response to this need.

This short qualification, at 40 guided learning hours, helps to equip learners with essential cyber security skills and knowledge, making it absolutely relevant for a wide range of learners.

Read about how Kirklees College is using the qualification here (FE Week).

Startling statistics show there is a pressing need for nationally recognised cyber security awareness, training and qualifications.

Integration or standalone

Group of Gateway Qualifications staff on stage at FAB Awards after winning Qualification of the Year

In November 2024, our L1 Award in Cybersecurity won the Federation of Awarding Bodies’ Qualification of the Year Award.

The qualification complements Gateway Qualifications’ existing portfolio of digital and vocational qualifications. It works particularly well with the Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ) and Digital Functional Skills (DFSQ), supporting a comprehensive pathway that addresses basic to advanced digital competencies. This integration ensures learners can build a firm foundation in digital literacy while gaining crucial skills to protect against cyber threat.

The qualification’s flexible design allows it to be used alongside lots of learning programs. Centres can integrate it into their curriculum, or offer it ‘standalone’ for employer training, and professional development courses. This adaptability ensures broad applicability and relevance for different learner needs.

Meeting a pressing need

The Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity has been designed to address the growing need for cybersecurity qualifications.

It covers key topics such as: recognising common cyber threats, practising safe internet habits, and applying basic data protection measures.

This essential knowledge is critical for reducing the risk of cyber-attacks and creating a genuine culture of cybersecurity awareness.

The qualification is accessible to a diverse range of learners, including those with limited digital literacy or resources. It does not require specific software or hardware, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their digital capabilities, can benefit from this qualification.

This inclusive approach reflects Gateway Qualifications’ commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting equal access to education.

Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity is accessible to a diverse range of learners. It does not require specific software or hardware, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their digital capabilities, can benefit.

Impact and Effectiveness

Since its introduction, the Level 1 Award in Cybersecurity has had a significant impact on learners and institutions. Centres have reported improved cyber security practices among students and staff.

The qualification includes practical assignments, and written /online tests, so that learners can apply their knowledge in everyday settings.

This practical approach boosts learners’ confidence and equips them with important skills that can be directly applied in both their personal, and professional lives.

Feedback from both learners, and institutions has been overwhelmingly positive. The year-on-year growth in registrations reflects the qualification’s relevance and value. And, the comprehensive support package that Gateway Qualifications offers to Centres, which includes teaching resources, allows for trouble-free setup and delivery.

This qualification is an important tool in the fight against cybercrime. Its relevance, and practical, inclusive design ensures that it is meeting a pressing need our new digital age.

By providing your learners with essential cyber security skills, this qualification will help create a safer and more secure digital environment for everybody.