Understand how cybersecurity works, why it matters, and the core concepts every digital citizen should know.
Level: Beginner
Grade band: 6–8
Time: about 3 hours
Outcomes
- Define cybersecurity and explain the CIA triad
- Identify common threats including phishing and social engineering
- Create strong passwords and explain multi-factor authentication
- Describe what a digital footprint is and how to manage it
- Explain basic networking concepts: IP addresses, DNS, ports, and protocols
Unit 1 — What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity Basics
- What is cybersecurity? — 10 min
- The CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability — 20 min
- Common threats and attackers — 20 min
Passwords & Authentication
- Password strength and uniqueness — 25 min
- Multi-factor authentication — 18 min
- Password managers — 15 min
Unit 2 — Phishing & Social Engineering
Phishing Analysis
- What is phishing? — 15 min
- Spotting phishing emails — 12 min
- Social engineering tactics — 15 min
- Phishing challenge lab — 20 min
Unit 3 — Privacy & Digital Footprints
Privacy & Footprints
- What is a digital footprint? — 15 min
- Managing your online presence — 12 min
- App permissions and data collection — 12 min
Unit 4 — Networking Basics
How Networks Work
- IP addresses explained — 12 min
- Routers, switches, and DNS — 12 min
- Ports and protocols — 12 min
Unit 5 — Linux Introduction
Linux Basics
- What is Linux? — 12 min
- The Linux terminal — 15 min
- Files, users, and permissions — 15 min
Unit 6 — Malware & Defense
Malware Concepts
- Types of malware — 12 min
- How malware spreads — 10 min
- Basic defense strategies — 12 min
Unit 7 — Cryptography Introduction
Intro to Cryptography
- What is encryption? — 10 min
- Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption — 12 min
- HTTPS and TLS — 10 min
Unit 8 — Windows Security
Windows Security Basics
- Windows users and accounts — 10 min
- Windows Defender and updates — 10 min
- Safe browsing on Windows — 10 min
Unit 9 — Digital Safety Practice
Privacy & Safe Browsing
- Browser privacy settings — 8 min
- Cookies and tracking — 10 min
- Safe downloads and extensions — 8 min
- Recognizing misinformation — 8 min
- Reporting suspicious content — 10 min
Unit 10 — Digital Safety Practice
Device & Network Safety
- Security updates explained — 8 min
- Backups and recovery — 8 min
- Device security checklist — 10 min
- Home network safety — 8 min
- Incident reporting basics — 8 min
Unit 11 — Cyber Explorer Skills
Investigation & Ethics
- Reading a security alert — 10 min
- Evidence and timelines — 8 min
- Safe log reading — 8 min
- Digital footprint investigation — 10 min
- Cyber ethics and permission — 8 min
Unit 12 — Cyber Explorer Skills
Cyber Defender Skills
- Team communication during incidents — 8 min
- Threat modeling for students — 10 min
- Encryption in everyday life — 8 min
- Authentication review — 8 min
- Cyber defender capstone — 10 min