Cybersecurity: Digital Citizenship 101

Cybersecurity covers physical protection (both hardware and software) of personal information and technology resources from unauthorized access gained via technological means. [1] 

The goal in teaching cybersecurity is to help children:

1. Recognize online risks, make informed decisions, and take appropriate actions to protect themselves while using connected technology. Help children learn how to identify and safely respond to email viruses, digital propaganda, spyware, adware, identity theft, phishing/pharming/spoofing scames, social engineering, etc.

1. Make informed decisions about appropriate protection methods and secure practices within a variety of situations. Help your children learn strategies for managing everyday hardware and software problems and for securing wireless connections (connecting to legitimate wi-fi hotspots, turning off wi-fi, turning off file share mode, encrypting sensitive date/information, using and updating anti-virus software, using a firewall, updating operating systems, etc.)

1. Demonstrate commitment to stay current on security issues, software and effective security practices. Help children model secure practices within a variety of digital communities.

1. Advocate for secure practices and behaviors among peers, family, and community. Encourage children to help others learn these strategies.

Keep Current

Don’t be overwhelmed if you don’t feel like you know very much about cybersecurity. You can begin with what you already know (for example, email viruses or digital propaganda). Principles of cybersecurity should be taught over time in an age appropriate manner, so as you learn—you can share this knowledge with your family. Pick a topic each month or week to learn about or sign-up to have tips emailed to you (e.g. US-CERT or iLook Both Ways). As you learn, discuss with your family.

Keep Communicating

Establish clear guidelines and expectations.

Model and discuss elements of cybersecurity whenever you and your child are using technology. These discussions don’t have to be lengthy. Make them fun and interactive. Encourage your children to ask questions and look for solutions together.

Keep Checking

Install good anti-virus software and update it frequently. Do not share the password for the admin account on your family computer, and check settings frequently to ensure no one has hacked in and changed them.

References:

1. Internet Safe Coalition. (2009). C3 Matrix: Digital Citizenship. http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/download/Coll_iKeepSafe/iKeepSafeC3Matrix/C3%20Matrix.pdf

For More Information

1. Online Safety and Technology Working Group. (2010, June). Youth Safety on a Living Internet. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/reports/2010/OSTWG_Final_Report_060410.pdf
2. US-CERT. Cyber Security Tips. http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/
3. iLook Both Ways. Free Internet Safety Calender. http://ilookbothways.com/learn-safety/oscms/