Exploring Student Perceptions and Expectations of Cyber Security

Designing cyber security modules in Higher Education can be a balancing act. We aim to ensure students develop an understanding of key cyber security concepts such that they are able to contribute to security practices within the workplace. We also aim to develop understanding of more advanced and theoretical aspects of cyber security to meet a range of accreditation requirements and ensure those who wish to go on to work in security are suitably prepared. Additionally, students often have existing expectations and perceptions which must be managed. However, many general computing science degrees address security in isolated modules. As a result addressing these requirements can be challenging in the timeframe available. In this paper we present an activity designed explore student expectations of cyber security classes at two UK Universities in order to highlight the concerns of students such that curricula can consequently be amended to better meet student expectations.