Symantec recently invited 20 students from John Warby Public School to its Security Operations Centre in Sydney to participate in a Leadership and Cyber Safety Education Program.
Symantec’s Managing Director, Pacific Region, Ian McAdam and senior director of Cyber Security Services in APJ, Peter Sparkes, hosted the students to go behind the scenes into the world of online security and meet some of Symantec’s security engineers.
Students participated in sessions focused on how to navigate the online world safely by not posting too much personal information online and creating strong passwords. They also had the opportunity to participate in a password hacking experiment and saw first-hand how Symantec blocks security threats.
“Symantec’s Cyber safety volunteering program empowers staff to become ambassadors for safe Internet use in their communities. Our staff share in our company’s commitment to reach out to our local communities and educate parents and students about how they can behave safely and participate responsibly online,” said McAdam.
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The visit follows on from the success of the Norton Online Safety Clinic which Norton Ambassador, and occassional footballer, Jarryd Hayne presented to John Warby students (his hometown primary school) earlier this year. Although we caution the young lady about using that password.
Students also had the chance to see what is like to work in the security industry and speak to Symantec security engineers first-hand to help foster aspirations for them to become the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
“Online threats today are more sophisticated, damaging and potentially dangerous than ever before,” said Peter Sparkes, Senior Director, Cyber Security Services, APJ, Symantec. “In the same way that we educate our children about the risks of drugs, smoking, or violence, it is critical that we educate them about the importance of safe computing.”
“Our staff want to give back to the community, and it was a truly rewarding experience having the opportunity to meet and partner with the students of John Warby Public School to help them navigate online challenges so they can harness technology for learning and life,” added McAdam.
Symantec promotes cyber safety through a wide range of consumer education and awareness efforts, including up-to-date resources available on our website, partnerships with key nonprofit organisations, and employee volunteer work.
