It’s Time to Prioritize Cybersecurity Education
In an era when education increasingly depends on digital tools and connectivity, cybersecurity has become as essential as any core subject taught in schools, however, the lack of cybersecurity in education is alarming. While students are among the most active users of technology, they are also the most vulnerable to cyberthreats.
Cybercriminals relentlessly target schools and students, disrupting education, stealing sensitive data and even putting physical safety at risk. According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a school cyberattack incident occurs at least once every day. These attacks range from ransomware that locks administrators out of critical systems to phishing schemes targeting students’ personal data. Meanwhile, educational institutions, tasked with protecting both their learners and the valuable data they collect, remain underfunded, understaffed and underprepared to counteract this growing menace.
Despite the rising tide of cyberthreats, only a fraction of schools provide cybersecurity training and/or curriculum. Only 14% of K-12 schools mandate security awareness training, and 21% offer support and guidance on secure password management. This lack of preparedness leaves students ill-equipped to navigate the dangers of today’s digital world.
It’s not just students at risk. Schools are lucrative targets for hackers because they house a wealth of sensitive information: Social Security numbers, medical records and payment information for students, staff and administrators. When these systems are compromised, the fallout can include everything from identity theft to prolonged school closures, as seen in high-profile ransomware attacks impacting schools, universities and school districts nationwide.
Cybersecurity is a Life Skill
Cybersecurity should not be viewed merely as a technical issue for IT professionals to solve. It’s a life skill, as fundamental as learning to cross the street safely or practicing fire drills. As children learn about physical safety from a young age, they must also learn secure online habits that will protect them into adulthood. This education should begin in early childhood and evolve as students mature. Youngsters can understand basic concepts, like not sharing passwords or clicking on unknown links. Older students should be taught more advanced skills, such as recognizing phishing scams and understanding the importance of secure authentication. Parents and educators have a shared responsibility to ensure these lessons are reinforced at home and in the classroom. But many families and teachers feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced cyberthreat environment. That’s why cyber education initiatives are so critical. By equipping students, parents, teachers and administrators with accessible, engaging resources, we can demystify cybersecurity and make it part of everyday learning.
Empowering schools to take action requires a multifaceted approach. First, we must prioritize cybersecurity infrastructure in schools. This includes robust tools like firewalls, endpoint protection, network monitoring and secure password management. Second, professional development for educators must include training on cybersecurity and phishing awareness. Teachers are on the front lines of this issue and need to feel confident integrating digital safety into their lessons. Third, public-private partnerships play a crucial role. Private sector companies along with organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance and KnowBe4, have stepped up with creative, scalable solutions for teaching students about cybersecurity. These partnerships can bridge resource gaps and introduce engaging content such as gamified lessons and role models who resonate with students. Formula 1 race car driver Alex Albon of Williams Racing is a great example.
Education at Home
Finally, parents, the first line of defense in teaching children about digital responsibility, must participate, but many feel ill-equipped to guide on this front. Providing families with clear, actionable advice, like creating strong, unique passwords for each account, can go a long way in fostering good habits at home.
By making cybersecurity a shared responsibility across families, schools and organizations, we can build a culture of cyber resilience that safeguards not only today’s students but tomorrow’s workforce. It’s time to flex our collective cyber muscle and take bold action to protect the next generation from evolving online threats. The stakes are too high to ignore. Cybercriminals aren’t simply waiting for schools to catch up; they’re exploiting security gaps, leaving students and institutions vulnerable to devastating consequences. The question is not whether we can afford to prioritize cybersecurity education; it’s whether we can afford not to.
