b.3.6 network security
Hackers vs Defenders. Explore the dark side of networks with malware and phishing and learn the pro techniques like encryption and firewalls used to stop them.
The internet can be a dangerous neighbourhood. Network Security is your self-defense class. We identify the bad guys: Malware (viruses that break stuff), Phishing (fake emails trying to steal your password), and DDoS attacks (zombie computers flooding a server). But don't worry, we also look at the shields. You’ll learn about Firewalls that block intruders, Encryption that scrambles your secrets so spies can't read them, and Penetration Testing, where companies pay "ethical hackers" to break into their systems just to find the weak spots.
This page is mainly about cyber security
Network security is a critical discipline that protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital infrastructure and data. This progression maps the pedagogical journey from foundational online safety and password hygiene at Key Stages 1 and 2, through to the advanced application of cryptography, network forensics, penetration testing, and DevSecOps at Key Stage 5 and beyond. By explicitly linking threat theories - such as social engineering and SQL injection - to hands-on defensive procedures like configuring firewalls and enabling multifactor authentication, students develop the practical resilience required to secure modern networks against escalating cyber threats.
Last modified: March 20th, 2026
