While the technology offers opportunities for rich education and learning, there are increased risks associated with online activity. According to eSentire’s 2022 Official Cybercrime Report, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $8 trillion this year, with damages projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. Individuals and business are susceptible to financial and informational loss from these cyberattacks.
Helping learners understand how to stay safe online, and what jobs are available for cybersecurity professionals is of paramount importance to combat these projected damages. No better time to start than Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
For the last 20 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 2023, Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s theme is “Be Cyber Smart”. This theme demonstrates the importance of understanding how to stay safe and protected online. Throughout the month, the CISA and the NCA are posting on social media to promote ways to be cyber smart.
In addition to tips and resources available throughout the month, there are additional opportunities for educators and learners. Cybersecurity Career Week, happening October 16-21, 2023, is a “campaign to promote the discovery of cybersecurity careers and share resources that increase understanding of multiple learning pathways and credentials that lead to [cybersecurity] careers.”
Educators can access incredible resources to help learners understand the opportunities available in the field of cybersecurity, including talking points, PowerPoint presentations, posters, career profiles, work role videos, and more. Teachers can leverage these tools anytime, not just during Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week.
Don’t forget to get involved on social, sharing content with the hashtags #MyCyberJob, #CyberCareerWeek, and #ChooseCyber.
Which certifications can validate my students’ cybersecurity skills?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great kick-off to a long-term commitment to helping students build their cybersecurity skills. At Certiport, we offer curriculum, practice tests, and certifications to help learners gain and prove their cybersecurity skills at every level, from digital literacy basics to IT professionals. You’re sure to find a program that 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:
Safety and security
- Describe digital security threats
- Protect devices and digital content
- Be aware of data-collection technology
- Identify Health risks associated with the use of digital technologies
- Understand device security
- Understand file security
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 and Cisco Certified Support Technician Certifications
Our IT Specialist Cybersecurity certification and Cisco Certified Support Technician certification are a great foray into the world of cybersecurity. These exams assess learners’ understanding of key security paradigms, terminology, and mindset. Topics on both exams 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
Are you ready to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Interested in learning more about cybersecurity certifications and curriculum for your classroom? Connect with a Certiport representative here.