MORE than 700 pupils across 20 schools are being given a lesson in cyber security by staff from PwC Scotland as part of Cyber Scotland Week.

Staff from the firm’s Glasgow and Edinburgh offices are delivering a lesson that is one of six devised as part of PwC’s Tech We Can programme. It was launched to encourage more schoolchildren – particularly girls – to study STEM (science, technology engineering and maths) subjects and ultimately pursue careers in technology roles.

PwC research has shown just 27% of females would consider a career in technology, compared to 62% of males, while just 3% of females say tech is their first-choice career. By working with children from school age, PwC believes it can help change the ratio.

PwC hopes the lessons not only help pupils stay safe and secure in their day-to-day lives, but also help to foster an interest in a future career in cyber security.

READ MORE: Brexit uncertainty hindering investment planning in financial sector

Claire Reid, regional leader for PwC Scotland, delivered the lesson to her old primary school, while staff visited primary and secondary schools in their own local areas.

The lessons are aimed at children from P6 to S2 and explore digital footprints, cyber attacks and hackers, and cyber security in the home. It also goes into detail of possible career paths in cyber security including ethical hackers, cyber security engineers and alarm engineers.

Reid said: “Having worked my entire career in technology, as well as being a mum to three children who are beginning their own digital journeys, I know just how important it is to be aware of the threat posed by cyber crime, and how to protect ourselves.

“Cyber Scotland Week is a great platform for raising awareness of this, and it has also given us an opportunity to show the workers of tomorrow the opportunities that are available to them should they decide to pursue a career in technology.”