Cybersecurity in Schools

Cyber Smart from the Start: Defending Finland’s Future in the Classroom Finland has long been celebrated for its world-class education system and commitment to digital innovation. But as technology becomes increasingly entwined with everyday life, new challenges are emerging—especially for the next generation. The rise of misinformation, cyberbullying, and online fraud means that teaching traditional subjects is no longer enough. Today’s students must be equipped with the tools to think critically, act safely, and defend themselves in the digital world. Disinformation campaigns, particularly from hostile foreign actors like Russia, have become more frequent and more sophisticated. These campaigns are not limited to military or political targets—they affect everyday citizens, manipulating emotions, distorting facts, and undermining democratic values. Finnish students must be taught how to recognize propaganda, question suspicious sources, and resist the temptation to share unverified information. But media literacy alone won’t cut it. Our young people also need to understand personal cybersecurity—from using secure passwords and avoiding phishing scams, to managing their online identity and digital footprint. By integrating cybersecurity and disinformation awareness into the national curriculum, we can ensure that Finnish students grow up not just smart, but cyber smart—ready to protect themselves, and their country, from the digital threats of today and tomorrow. #cybersecurity #education #Finland #CyberHygiene #misinformation #disinformation #PrimarySchool #SecondarySchool #privacy #WhyCantWeDoThatHere #democracy

💻🔒 Wouldn’t it be cool if public schools had the funding to protect their networks like large corporate America? Here’s the reality: 📌 Not all school districts are the same size. In my district, our tech team is just me and five repair technicians. Most of their time? Tier 1 support and Chromebook repairs. 📌 Most public schools don’t have a dedicated CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). I know because I wear that hat along with many others. Cybersecurity threats are real, and public schools are prime targets yet our budgets rarely match the risk. So, how do we change that? ✅ Advocacy: We need to educate policymakers on the critical importance of cybersecurity funding. ✅ Collaboration: Share resources and best practices between districts. ✅ Creativity: Partner with vendors and leverage grant opportunities. And here’s an ask for the EdTech sales community: We need you, too. Because when public schools are properly funded and protected, you thrive too. More secure schools mean more opportunities to deploy solutions, train staff, and grow your market. So let’s work together: 🤝 Educators, policymakers, and EdTech vendors let’s advocate for a safer digital environment for every student. 👉 How are you addressing cybersecurity with limited resources? 👉 EdTech sales leaders: how can you help us move this needle together? #Cybersecurity #Education #EdTech #SchoolSafety #Funding

250+ districts in, here's what teachers actually taught me about cybersecurity: They don't care about our industry jargon. They care about keeping kids safe. 🛡️ After 300,000+ users, the pattern is clear: Teachers who've been phished feel shame. IT directors who've been breached feel alone. Business managers who've wired money to scammers feel stupid. They're not. They're human. Here's what actually works: Stop selling fear. Start teaching confidence. Stop pushing compliance. Start building habits. Stop talking tech. Start speaking human. The best cybersecurity lesson came from a kindergarten teacher in Ohio: "If 5-year-olds can learn to look both ways before crossing the street, adults can learn to pause before clicking links." She was right. 💡 So we rebuilt everything: • 3-minute lessons (not 45-minute modules) • Real stories (not fake scenarios) • Celebration (not shame) • A squirrel that makes it... fun? 🐿️ The results across 200 districts: ✅ 94% completion rates (industry average: 30%) ✅ 73% fewer phishing clicks ✅ Zero successful ransomware attacks But here's what matters most: That teacher who felt shame? Now she's our security champion. That IT director? Built a community of 50+ peers. That business manager? Caught 3 fraud attempts this year. Teachers taught me cybersecurity isn't about technology. It's about people feeling empowered, not embarrassed. What have your users taught you about your product? 👇 #Cybersecurity #EdTech #K12Education #TeacherVoice #CyberNut #HumanCenteredDesign #SecurityAwareness

I believe technology can be harnessed for good. But horrors! Recent news headlines remind us of the urgent need for stronger online safety and digital ethics education. - Some boys at Singapore Sports School have been alleged to create and share deepfake nude photos of female students. Police are investigating.  - Scam victims in Singapore are on track to lose over S$770 million by year-end. - Singapore police may be given the authority to prevent repeat scam victims from making online banking transactions to protect them from further financial loss. Alarmingly, some victims continue to transfer money to scammers even when being informed of the fraud – a scenario that once seemed unimaginable!  These troubling incidents highlight persistent challenges surrounding online behaviour, ethics, and safety—issues that have existed since the dawn of the Internet. Singapore has been proactive about these issues from the early days of the internet. In the early 2000s, I was part of  PAGI (Parents Advisory Group for the Internet) which was set up to support parents guide their children on safe online practices, and the Media Literacy Council to help Singaporeans evaluate media and create and share content  safely and responsibly. However, technology especially Generative AI is evolving rapidly. Our digital-native generation, born into a world of bright shiny digital screens and AI, needs a deep understanding of online safety and digital ethics. What can we do to build a strong foundation in online safety hygiene and digital ethics? 1.Integrate Online Safety into Education: Digital safety and awareness must start early—as soon as children enter kindergarten and continue throughout their school years. Kids today are adept at using smartphones and tablets as young as five, so online safety must be part of their foundational learning. 2. Teach Ethics and Responsible Technology Use: Responsible use of digital devices and platforms should be an integral part of schools’ digital safety and awareness curriculum. This is necessary to instil ethical guidelines and a clear understanding of consequences. 3. Pair Technology Access with Safety Training: Digital devices are essential tools for modern learning. However, it’s equally crucial that teachers guide students on online safety and responsible device use. Teaching safe, mindful use of technology isn’t just nice to have, it is essential, not optional. 4. Engage Parents in Digital Safety Education: Parents are vital to fostering online safety and digital ethics. As primary role models, the onues lies with them to guide their children’s digital habits. To do this effectively, parents need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to promote safe and responsible device use. Creating a digitally responsible society requires a multi-faceted approach that begins with education and active involvement from all stakeholders. It’s time we double down on these efforts. #onlinesafety #digitalethics

The Portuguese Safer Internet Centre has unveiled an innovative Minecraft world designed to teach primary school children about internet safety. This creative approach to cybersecurity education was showcased at the Lisbon Games Week 2024. Key highlights: - Interactive challenges teach crucial concepts like strong passwords and link safety. - Lesson plans and guides for teachers to implement in classrooms. - Two-month Minecraft Education licenses available for interested educators. - Official launch set for Safer Internet Day, February 11, 2025. As a professional in the tech industry, I am thrilled to see gamification being used to make cybersecurity education more engaging and accessible for young learners. This initiative could shape the next generation of digitally responsible citizens. What are your thoughts on using popular games like Minecraft to teach important digital skills? Have you seen similar initiatives in your country or organization? #Cybersecurity #Education #EdTech #GamificationInLearning #DigitalLiteracy Mirko Ross Rob van Kranenburg Nicolas Babin Pierre Pinna Sally Eaves Natalia Oropeza Zeina Zakhour Azita Esmaili Linda Grasso Mei Lin Fung David Bray, PhD Tony Moroney Jorge Cunha Neville Gaunt 💡⚡️ Tamara McCleary Claudia Mendes Silva Debra Ruh Puneet Singh Singhal Neil Milliken Beatriz G. Francisco Pinheiro 🚀 Ellen Schramke Julia Kauppert Sander Rotmensen

A cyber attack hit Calgary schools this week. Sensitive student data was compromised. I was invited to speak on Global News, AM770, and the Calgary Herald to break down the breach. It’s a wake-up call for everyone. Cyber threats are no longer limited to businesses. They’re targeting schools, and communities. Here's what happened: The Calgary Board of Education and Rocky View Schools were impacted by a breach in the PowerSchool system. Student data was exposed. This included sensitive info used in school systems. Cyber attacks are rising fast. But there are ways to stay protected. If your personal data ever gets exposed: • Monitor your accounts closely. • Update your passwords immediately. • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). • Report any suspicious activity. • Consider freezing your credit. For MSPs working with clients after a breach: Your response can build or break trust. Here’s how to support your clients: Communicate openly. • Explain the situation clearly and avoid confusion. Investigate the cause. • Work with security experts to find the root issue. Strengthen defences. • Add MFA, endpoint protection, and secure backups. Provide long-term monitoring. • Help clients detect threats before they escalate. Rebuild trust. • Offer cybersecurity education for staff and families. A breach is serious. But with the right steps? You can protect your community. What are you doing to stay secure?