This content is located in CAPS under Network Technologies: Networks for Grade 11.

Understanding basic network security is essential in preparing students to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. For Grade 11 students, this topic introduces them to fundamental concepts of security, laying a foundation for more advanced cybersecurity topics in the future. It helps students grasp how data is protected across networks, including concepts like passwords, user authentication, and access rights.

Teaching this topic effectively involves turning theoretical ideas into interactive, practical examples that make the importance of network security tangible and relevant.

Teaching Suggestions for Basic Network Security in Grade 11

1. Password Security with a “Hacker Challenge”: Create an activity where students attempt to “crack” a weak password using hints (e.g., “It’s the teacher’s first name”). Follow this by teaching them to create strong passwords using techniques like a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and phrases.
   • Use examples like “S3cure@2025!” and demonstrate password generators or managers.
2. Access Rights Roleplay: Organise a classroom simulation where each student plays a different role in a mock organisation (e.g., manager, employee, IT admin). Discuss access rights and let them decide who gets access to which “files” (these could be paper documents or digital files in a shared folder). Highlight the importance of restricting access based on roles.
3. Authentication Exploration: Introduce students to multi-factor authentication by demonstrating it with a live example. If possible, show a simple two-step verification setup on a platform like Google. Have students discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of this system.
4. Network Diagram Analysis: Present students with a simplified network diagram showing devices connected in a LAN or WLAN. Include various access points and roles. Ask them to identify possible vulnerabilities and suggest security measures to mitigate these risks, such as using firewalls or restricting access to sensitive devices.
5. Case Study of a Security Breach: Share a real-world example of a network security breach (e.g., a phishing attack or ransomware incident). Ask students to identify what went wrong and propose measures that could have prevented it. Use visual aids like timelines to map the progression of the attack.
6. Create a Security Policy: Divide students into groups and task them with developing a basic security policy for a fictional school network. Include elements like password guidelines, authentication methods, and acceptable use policies. Compare and discuss the different policies created.
7. Hands-On: Simulate Threats and Protections: Use a sandboxed environment to show the consequences of poor security practices (e.g., clicking on unverified links, using insecure passwords). For schools without advanced tech resources, create offline simulations using role-playing scenarios where one student acts as a “hacker.”
8. Guest Speaker: Invite an IT professional or cybersecurity expert (if available) to discuss network security. Encourage students to ask questions and connect the expert’s insights to the CAPS content.
9. Gamify Learning: Use free or open-source educational games and tools that simulate network security tasks. One example is CyberStart (if available for education purposes). Alternatively, create a quiz or scavenger hunt where students solve clues related to network security concepts.
10. Compare and Contrast Wired vs Wireless: Lead a class discussion or practical demonstration on the vulnerabilities of wired versus wireless networks. Use common examples like how Wi-Fi passwords protect home networks and discuss risks like eavesdropping.

Discuss real-world applications, such as how students can secure their own home networks, helps solidify the importance of these practices. Emphasising that network security isn’t just a school subject but a life skill will make the lesson resonate.