The National Initiative For Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), an initiative managed by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) component, has advised parents to add cybersecurity to the back-to-school list of preparations for students K-12.

Cybersecurity: a back-to-school essential

Unlike most European countries, here in the USA, kids’ first day at school happens mainly in August, which leaves parents little time to act if they want youngsters to be fully prepared to deal with cybersecurity challenges while away from home. Here are a few tips to help kids have a great time and stay safe in the classroom. 

Password hygiene

Creating unique and strong passwords for new accounts is a must. Updating old accounts’ passwords is also important, as data breaches often go unnoticed, and criminals use any stolen data for malicious purposes. Parents can use password management tools if the passwords become too much to remember.

2FA

Enabling two-factor or even multiple-factor authentication when possible is advised. The harder it is for hackers to break in, the better the chances of your little one not becoming a victim of a cybercrime. 

Email and text security 

Teach students to be openly suspicious of unsuspecting emails. Educating them to double-check for weird links and attachments before opening an email could save them a lot of trouble.

Keep tech devices secure

Sometimes, bad actors are not on the other side of the world but are among the students. Ensuring that other people do not have physical access to laptops, tablets, phones, etc., would give parents peace of mind that no malicious software gets installed on any of the devices. If possible, lock all devices when not in use. 

Update, update, update

Cyber researchers, IT teams, software developers, electronics manufacturers. And anyone who produces connected tech devices or components for such products want products to run safely and smoothly. Keeping all software and apps up to date often is crucial for maintaining devices secure.

Talk about social media 

It is essential to explain to K-12 students that digital prints and social media behavior can alter people’s lives. Bullying often happens on social media and can have real-life implications. Experts advise parents to fully limit social media networking or ensure that children communicate with people they actually know.

The importance of cybersecurity education

The insufficiently funded and overloaded education system often overlooks cybersecurity, leaving it to the parents to prepare, educate, and ensure kids stay safe at school. Parents arguably have the only prolonged time away from their kids during school time, making cybersecurity preparedness a necessity. Being prepared does not harm students but helps them deal with unexpected situations.

The digital age comes with many advantages but also risks. The fact that people living on another continent can launch life, altering attacks on unsuspecting families located in the US means a lot. Cybersecurity education and preparedness are topics that need to be discussed and addressed in conversations with children of school age.Â