While the technology offers opportunities for rich education and learning, there are increased risks associated with online activity. A 2021 report from the Federal Trade Commission highlighted the increased risk of cybercrimes. In 2021 alone, there were 2.9 million reports of fraud in the United States. Of further concern, younger people reported losing more money to fraud than older people. Helping students understand how to stay safe online, and what jobs are available for cybersecurity professionals is of paramount importance. No better time to start than Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
For the last 18 years, October has been Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month is all about helping individuals protect themselves against online threats and hackers looking for confidential data. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) lead a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise cybersecurity awareness nationally and internationally.
How can I participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
In 2022, Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s theme is “See Yourself in Cyber”. This theme demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s all about people. Throughout the month, the CISA and the NCA are posting on social media to promote ways to keep individuals safe online.
In addition to tips and resources available throughout the month, there are additional opportunities for educators and learners. Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, according to the Cybersecurity Awareness Month website, “is a week-long campaign in the middle of Cybersecurity Awareness Month focused on raising awareness around cybersecurity job opportunities and how building a cyber workforce enhances our nation's security.”
Educators can access incredible resources to help learners understand the opportunities available in the field of cybersecurity, including a cyber career pathways tool, a cybersecurity workforce training guide, cyber career cards, and cyber challenges and games. Teachers can leverage these tools anytime, not just during Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week.
Which certifications can validate my students’ cybersecurity skills?
At Certiport, we happily endorse the mission and vision of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In fact, we offer certifications to help learners prove their cybersecurity skills at every level, from digital literacy basics to IT professionals. Discover which cybersecurity certifications will correspond most closely with your curriculum and will be the best match for your learners.
IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
Cybersecurity begins with internet safety and digital literacy. Certiport’s IC3 Digital Literacy certification prepares candidates around the world to stay safe online. Internet safety is one of the main learning objectives on the new IC3 Digital Literacy Global Standard Six certification. Topics include the following:
Understand internet commerce basics
- Describe goods and services
- Explain how digital payments work
- Describe in-app purchases and their security concerns
- Identify examples of media streaming services
Understand how to protect others’ personally identifiable information
- Explain the need for and how to achieve online privacy
- Explain the need for and how to achieve privacy at the workplace
- Explain the responsibility that comes with knowing another’s password and account information
- Avoid broadcasting other people’s information without permission
Students who have mastered the basics of digital literacy can expand their skills with additional certifications.
Information Technology Specialist Certification
Our IT Specialist Cybersecurity certification is a great fit. This exam assesses learners’ understanding of key security paradigms, terminology, and mindset. Topics on the exam include the following:
Essential security principles
- Define essential security principles
- Explain common threats and vulnerabilities
- Explain access management principles
- Explain encryption methods and applications
Basic network security concepts
- Describe TCP/IP protocol vulnerabilities
- Explain how network addresses impact network security
- Describe network infrastructure and technologies
- Set up a secure wireless SoHo network
- Implement secure access technologies
Endpoint security concepts
- Describe operating system security concepts
- Demonstrate familiarity with appropriate endpoint tools that gather security assessment information
- Verify that endpoint systems meet security policies and standards
- Implement software and hardware updates
- Interpret system logs
- Demonstrate familiarity with malware removal
Vulnerability assessment and risk management
- Explain vulnerability management
- Use threat intelligence techniques to identify potential network vulnerabilities
- Explain risk management
- Explain the importance of disaster recovery and business continuity planning
Incident handling
- Monitor security events and know when escalation is required
- Explain digital forensics and attack attribution processes
- Explain digital forensics and attack attribution processes
- Explain the impact of compliance frameworks on incident handling
- Describe the elements of cybersecurity incident response
Microsoft Certified Fundamentals
In addition to program agnostic certifications, we also offer training and certifications for today’s top cybersecurity platforms. Our Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certifications are the starting point for all students interested in understanding cloud offerings from Microsoft, including the fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) across cloud-based and related Microsoft services
Topics on the exam include the following:
Microsoft Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals
- Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
- Describe the capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions
- Describe the capabilities of Microsoft Security solutions
- Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity certifications and curriculum for your classroom? Connect with a Certiport representative here.