From Monday 26 October, school pupils and local community groups from across the Scottish Borders took part in a week-long CGI Cyber Escape room-style event at Tweedbank.
The interactive Cyber Escape challenge from CGI, one of the world’s largest independent IT and business consulting services firms, was located within a shipping container outside Inspire Learning: Tweedbank, our dedicated digital learning facility, with several sessions running each day throughout the week.
With a widely reported worldwide rise in artificial intelligence and online cyber-attacks impacting many individuals and organisations, the experience was designed to both test and educate participants in a fun problem-solving environment.
Local schools and community groups in attendance
Pupils from Berwickshire High, Earlston High, Galashiels Academy, Hawick High and Jedburgh Grammar Campus took part in the event. Community groups including Beyond Earlston, Social Work Transitions, TD1 and Youth Voice PDC were also in attendance.
Attendees worked their way through a series of exciting group puzzles, riddles, and challenges with an overall mission to work as a team to outsmart the hackers.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning
“This was a brilliant opportunity for our pupils and the wider community to test their IT and cybersecurity skills. The experience offered a valuable learning exercise for aspiring students in the Scottish Borders, many of whom are considering a future career in these areas, a growing sector where skilled people are needed.
“It was great to see that the event also inspired local people to get involved and navigate through an interesting and very current topic.”
Our Officials including Councillor Leagh Douglas, Executive Member for Finance, IT and Corporate Performance attended the event alongside senior CGI staff.
Tom Gutsell, Vice President, Consulting Services at CGI
“CGI is proud of the strong relationships it has with communities right across the Scottish Borders, and bringing the Cyber Escape experience to Tweedbank was an important part of that commitment. People may think cyber security is something only IT teams need to worry about, but the reality is we all have a part to play.
“The experience brought those risks to life in a practical and memorable way, giving people the chance to test their instincts, spot the warning signs and learn simple steps that can make a real difference. With so much of our lives now taking place online, it’s vital people feel more confident about protecting themselves, their families and their workplaces from cyber threats.”
Local Opportunities
A number of colleges and universities, including Borders College, now offer dedicated online safety and cyber security courses, so for any Borders residents considering a future in IT and computing, there are opportunities available on your doorstep.