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Academics Map Out Comprehensive Cyber Education for Future Defenders in the Age of AI
Cybersecurity education should transcend the mere use of tools; it must equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex systems while addressing the human factors entwined in security dynamics. This is the underpinning philosophy of the recently released textbook, “Cyber Security Foundations: Fundamentals, Technology and Society,” co-authored by noted academics Keith Martin, Jassim Happa, Konstantinos Mersinas, and Guido Schmitz.
Professor Martin, who leads the Information Security program at Royal Holloway University, emphasized that the crux of cybersecurity education is to root students in principles that remain relevant, even as the landscape shifts. He pointed out that in our current era characterized by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and decentralized governance, educational frameworks must evolve to encapsulate these complexities.
Martin remarked, “It is unclear to what extent the implications of AI on cybersecurity have been fully considered. AI could serve as a catalyst for significant change, particularly where human factors intersect with technology.” He suggested that understanding this intersection is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity strategies.
During a video interview with Information Security Media Group, Martin elaborated on several pressing topics, including the necessity for educational models that connect foundational knowledge with tangible real-world applications. He also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of existing frameworks, such as the U.K.’s Cyber Security Body of Knowledge, and how the rise of AI is reshaping the relationship between human decision-making and technical defense mechanisms.
In his dual role as a professor and the director of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Center for Doctoral Training in Cyber Security for the Everyday, Martin is at the forefront of adapting cybersecurity education to better prepare future professionals for the challenges that lie ahead. This proactive approach aligns with ongoing efforts to identify and apply MITRE ATT&CK tactics, such as Initial Access, Persistence, and Privilege Escalation, to develop comprehensive strategies that mitigate risks in an increasingly digital world.
