DF3: Lesson 3 Designing Smarter Cyber Defences

Could your system spot a digital breach before it’s too late?

This KS3 / lower secondary computing lesson plunges students into the world of digital forensics through a realistic data breach simulation that’s accessible, rigorous, and deeply engaging.

Students begin with a rapid-fire “Safe or Suspicious?” challenge to sharpen their instincts, before learning how real analysts flag risky transfers based on file type mismatches, unusual destinations, and disguised file names. The core activity uses a custom-built drag-and-drop simulation and structured analysis grid, guiding students to apply logic, record red flags, and justify their breach decisions like professionals.

Includes scaffolded worksheets, model answers, and a complete classroom adaptation guide for mixed-ability teaching — all aligned to inspection-level standards.

Through this, students uncover:

• How App Monitoring and Network Monitoring are used across secure zones
• What counts as Prevention, Detection, and Response in surveillance logic
• How to design fair and effective digital defence rules for real workplaces
• Why collaboration between departments matters in live cyber defence
• How professionals use strategic thinking to justify each surveillance choice

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