KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: Mona Salem, the General Supervisor of Computer Science at the Ministry of Education, has announced the inclusion of cybersecurity in the ministry's educational curriculum, starting this academic year. This subject will gradually expand to other secondary grades next year.

Salem stated that this initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the curriculum. Computer teachers will be responsible for teaching the new content, while department heads and supervisors are undergoing training on the cybersecurity program, set to conclude by the semester's end. After this training, the heads will share the curriculum with their respective teachers.

Salem noted that ongoing online discussions are being held with supervisors to track the curriculum's implementation, reinforcing the ministry's dedication to enhancing educational resources.

In addition to this, the ministry, alongside the National Cybersecurity Center, has introduced the “Kuwait Cybersecurity Heroes” initiative, which aims to provide middle and high school students in Kuwait with the skills necessary for programming and cybersecurity. So far, 210 students have registered, with the goal of preparing them for careers in a rapidly growing industry and improving their ability to address digital security challenges.

The updated curriculum will equip tenth-grade students with vital knowledge in cybersecurity and Python programming, essential for various professions, especially within the technology sector. Salem pointed out that the relevance of these fields is expected to increase, enabling students to help safeguard the nation against cyber threats.

Cybersecurity includes practices designed to shield systems and data from unauthorized access. It involves multiple strategies and technologies aimed at minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and protecting sensitive information. The key tenets of cybersecurity are confidentiality, integrity, and availability, which together help institutions maintain secure data access, ensure accuracy, and provide timely availability to authorized users.

The ministry also addressed the serious implications of data breaches, such as identity theft and financial losses, underscoring the necessity of confidentiality in safeguarding sensitive information. Integrity ensures that digital information remains accurate and unaltered, while availability guarantees that data and resources can be accessed when required, protecting against disruptions.

Furthermore, the ministry discussed significant cybersecurity applications, particularly authentication. This adds layers of security by requiring various forms of identity verification, including biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition. Such measures are becoming commonplace in modern devices, enhancing security for personal data.

The curriculum will also cover critical cybersecurity practices, including:

Authentication: Activating two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Device Protection: Using antivirus and anti-malware programs, regularly updating software, and applying strong encryption.

Anti-Phishing: Avoiding links or attachments from unknown sources to prevent data breaches.