As developments in technology continue to saturate all aspects of everyday life, it has become more important than ever to ensure that children are properly educated about cyber best practices. For this reason, ISACA Foundation has launched a core program to educate children in cyber-focused topics that are critical for their success. Targeted to under-resourced students who may not currently receive adequate support in cybereducation, Cybersleuths provides a series of free online courses for elementary and secondary students. The courses are part of ISACA Foundation’s Young Leaders in Tech program and were created in collaboration with the nonprofit Bits ‘N Bytes Cybersecurity Education.
There are 3 courses within the Cybersleuths series:
- CyberSafe: Safety and Security—Due to COVID-19, more young people than ever are online for extended periods, exposing them to dangers such as online fraud and risky communications. This course provides a pathway to learn how to identify these risk scenarios and develop skill sets to ensure that youth have the right tools to protect themselves in the realm of cybersecurity. The course is available for students in 2 age groups, 8-13 years old and 14-18 years old.
- E-Learning Experts: Tips for Success Online—Today’s students face many challenges while transitioning from a more traditional in-person education setting to self-directed remote learning, which can often be complex. This course helps students build new and improved skill sets to become successful online learners and is available for students ages 14-18.
- Pathways: Cyber Career Exploration—Creating a diverse pipeline into the IT field is critical to the future success of the technology industry. This course helps students research and explore the various skill sets and roles within the cybersecurity field. It includes an aptitude survey, career/role information and common education requirements for cybersecurity professionals. The course is available for students ages 14-18 years.
ISACA Foundation invites ISACA members to share these programs with schools, youth centers and the children in their own lives. Cybersleuths is the first of many initiatives that will be offered to students in the coming year. As part of the ISACA Foundation mission, Young Leaders In Tech is dedicated to providing IT-related educational opportunities to underrepresented and underserved students with the goal of creating a diverse and inclusive pipeline into the IT sector.
Volunteer and donation opportunities are available to support the ISACA Foundation mission and its Young Leaders In Tech, SheLeadsTech and We Lead Tech programs.