← VCE Cyber Security

Emerging trends in cyber security

A new threat, technology or practice reshaping cyber security, meaning current controls may need to be updated to stay effective.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O2 - Cyber Security — Module 1, VCE Data Analytics - U4O2 - Cyber Security: Data Security — Module 124

Understanding Emerging trends in cyber security in VCE Cyber Security

What it does: Following current practice means regularly reviewing updated guidance. The field keeps shifting as new threats and protective technologies appear. New devices, services and attack methods appear constantly. Growing use of mobile devices and online services creates new risks. Threats evolve, so old controls can lose their effectiveness over time. Staying current helps teams respond to newly emerging threats. Emerging trends describes an ongoing process, not a fixed list. Each new online service is a potential target for attackers.

Common mistakes: Threats and defences change constantly, so this claim is false. No firewall stops every new attack forever - controls must be updated.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Emerging trends in cyber security to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–20).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Which statement is true about cyber security?
It keeps evolvingIt never changes
Matches
Once set, controls never need review
↓
Wrong - controls must be reviewed as trends change
Applying
Meanings
Term
Emerging trend
Meaning
A new threat, technology or practice reshaping cyber security, meaning current controls may need to be updated to stay effective.
Practice
More devices and services connect
Testing
Gaps
More devices go online each year
Check Answer
Spots
1Threats never change
2New devices join networks

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Nautilus' badge — Default Expert, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Which statement is true about cyber security?
A. It never changes
B. It keeps evolving ✓
New devices, services and attack methods appear constantly.
2. What mainly drives new cyber security trends?
A. More mobile & online use ✓
B. Fewer connected devices
Growing use of mobile devices and online services creates new risks.
3. A control that worked five years ago...
A. Is guaranteed to still work
B. May now be insufficient ✓
Threats evolve, so old controls can lose their effectiveness over time.
4. Should security teams follow current industry practice?
A. Yes, to stay effective ✓
B. No, once is enough
Staying current helps teams respond to newly emerging threats.
5. Is 'emerging trends' a one-off topic to learn once?
A. No, it's ongoing ✓
B. Yes, it's fixed forever
Emerging trends describes an ongoing process, not a fixed list.

Match the Pairs

Mobile devices increasing → A driver of new cyber security trends
Old firewall rule, unchanged → A control that may no longer be sufficient
Keeping current with industry practice → Reading updated security guidance regularly
Cyber security changes continually → New threats and protections emerging over time
Once set, controls never need review → Wrong - controls must be reviewed as trends change
Online services aren't a security concern → Wrong - growing online use expands the attack surface

Key Term

Emerging trend
A new threat, technology or practice reshaping cyber security, meaning current controls may need to be updated to stay effective.

Fill in the Blanks

1. More mobile devices go online each year
Hint: Type the word for devices people carry everywhere.
2. Yesterday's controls may not stop attacks
Hint: Type the word for security measures already in place.
3. Teams must follow current industry practice
Hint: Type the word meaning up to date.
4. Online services are increasing fast
Hint: Type the word for things people use online, like banking or email apps.
5. An outdated control creates new risk
Hint: Type the word meaning no longer up to date.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Threats never change
B New devices join networks
C New services appear online
D Security teams must adapt
Line A — Threats and defences change constantly, so this claim is false.
Question 2
A Mobile use keeps growing
B Old firewalls stop all attacks
C New tools appear each year
D Teams must keep learning
Line B — No firewall stops every new attack forever - controls must be updated.
Question 3
A Attackers invent new methods
B Old defences can fall behind
C Cyber security never updates
D Staying current matters
Line C — Cyber security practice constantly updates in response to new trends.
Question 4
A Phones, apps and IoT grow fast
B This creates more attack paths
C Defences must respond in kind
D Old rules always stay perfect
Line D — Rules that worked before can stop being effective as threats evolve.
Question 5
A New online services launch
B More devices join each month
C Attack surface keeps expanding
D Teams review new risks often
E One setup lasts forever
Line E — No single setup lasts forever - networks and threats keep changing.

Student with a class code? Join your class →