What is Cyber Education?

Cyber education involves the use of technology in the classroom as well as teaching students about technology, technological communication, and secure navigation and usage. Cyber education covers the importance of topics such as phishing, ransomware, malware, online scams, and ensuring proper protection for online account security. This education extends to safeguarding against cyberattacks, whether it’s on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.[1] Additionally, it promotes cybersafety and what to do when facing challenges online.

Why is it Important in the Classroom?

Cyber education is important in the classroom to help students build critical skills in technology and how to detect and avoid cyberattack advances. Allowing students to understand the risks of online activities and how to navigate any potential scamming advances is important to help them understand how to protect themselves and their information. According to current cybersecurity experts, students should be building a strong foundation for cybersafety and be modeling safe online behavior.[2]

Challenges to Cyber Education

What are some challenges to teaching cyber education in classrooms? Some school districts lack access to proper, updated technologies to teach cybersafety. There are limited resources for higher-population schools, and properly trained teachers and educators are increasingly difficult to find. Many institutions have legacy systems and limited budgets that do not allow them to expand their technology resources or systems. Additionally, post COVID-19, many students are reluctant to spend more classroom time online. With schools returning fully to in-person instruction, educators are striving to re-engage students through in-person learning to keep their attention.

How to Confront These Challenges

Facing these challenges is hard for everyone, including students and educators. However, experts are working on making cyber education enjoyable and accessible to all. Keeping students engaged involves talking about modern technologies. Relating their cyber education to their online activities—such as social media, e-books, and online communities they participate in—encourages students to learn how to keep themselves safe on these platforms. Another way to keep these students motivated and engaged is to use the new tool called the Cyber Career Pathways Tool.[2] This interactive online resource explores the different sectors in the cyber workforce and allows students to work through the module at their own pace.[3] It encourages continuous learning and understanding of cybersecurity in general, rather than just in brief encounters. There are multiple components within this tool, and it is constantly changing to support the newest advances in technology and cybersecurity.

Publishing Solutions Group

Publishing Solutions Group supports the creation of content for both offline and online learning. We understand the importance of a safe environment for online delivery. We believe in promoting the newest ideas and techniques in teaching and education. The opportunity to teach students cyber education in schools is an important step to support the growth of online learning and security awareness to consistently assist learners.

[1] https://www.bsebti.com/blog/importance-of-cyber-security-awareness-and-education-building-a-culture-of-cyber-security/#:~:text=Importance%20of%20Cyber%20Security%20Education&text=Cyber%20security%20education%20involves%20learning,to%20implement%20effective%20security%20measures

[2] https://www.meritalk.com/articles/experts-cyber-education-needs-to-start-at-the-k-12-level/

[3] https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/cyber-career-pathways-tool