Fortinet’s Free Security Awareness Curriculum: Empowering K-12 Students in White House’s Cyber Initiatives

Fortinet Announces New Security Awareness Curriculum to Address Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Aug 9, 2023 — Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader, has unveiled a new Security Awareness curriculum aimed at K-12 school districts and systems in the United States. The curriculum, developed in partnership with educators, is designed to equip students with cybersecurity knowledge and skills to address the growing talent shortage in the field. The initiative aligns with the White House’s National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) and reflects Fortinet‘s commitment to fostering a future generation of empowered security professionals.

Addressing the Cyber Talent Shortage

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to target end-users and acquire personal data. According to estimates, over 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals are needed worldwide to fill the talent gap, posing significant risks to organizations. Developing cyber awareness and cultivating individuals with cybersecurity expertise are crucial steps in preventing cybercrimes and fortifying organizations’ security infrastructure.

Fortinet‘s Security Awareness Curriculum

Through its Security Awareness curriculum, Fortinet aims to foster fundamental cyber awareness from an early age and beyond. The curriculum provides K-12 teachers with a comprehensive guide, including lesson plans and handouts, to facilitate engaging and meaningful interactions with cybersecurity fundamentals in classrooms. The curriculum incorporates core competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, computational thinking, communication, and collaboration, thereby aligning with existing academic standards.

Key Topics Covered in the Curriculum

The Security Awareness curriculum covers various topics to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and promote digital safety best practices among K-12 students:

• Cybersecurity Landscape: Students will learn to recognize cyber threats and understand cyber criminals’ tactics, enabling them to mitigate cyberattack risks.
• Digital Safety: Students will gain the ability to identify online risks and respond appropriately, foster safe and respectful online interactions.
• Online Presence: Students will be educated on making mindful choices about sharing content online to maintain a positive and secure online presence.

Empowering School Districts and Systems

The Security Awareness curriculum will be made accessible to school districts and systems across the United States, benefiting over 55 million K-12 students nationwide. The initiative expands on Fortinet‘s existing free learning offerings, including tailored cybersecurity awareness training for K-12 faculty and staff.

Partnership with the White House

Fortinet‘s announcement is part of its wider commitment to working with the White House and government leaders to address the cybersecurity talent shortage. The company is participating in the Cybersecurity Summit 2023, hosted at UNLV, to discuss the implementation of the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy and explore solutions to bridge the global skill gap.

Editorial: The Importance of Cybersecurity Education

The proliferation of cyber threats and the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure underscore the urgency of cultivating cybersecurity expertise. Fortinet‘s initiative to develop a Security Awareness curriculum for K-12 students is a commendable step toward equipping the next generation with essential digital safety skills. By creating engaging educational resources and emphasizing core competencies, the curriculum aims to instill a strong foundation for cybersecurity awareness.

However, the responsibility of addressing the cybersecurity talent shortage extends beyond school districts. Governments, organizations, and individuals must make concerted efforts to invest in cybersecurity education and training programs at all levels. This includes providing resources and support to educational institutions, promoting public-private partnerships, and encouraging lifelong learning in the cybersecurity field.

Advice: Enhancing Cybersecurity Awareness and Skills

For US school districts and systems interested in integrating the Security Awareness curriculum into their classrooms, it is crucial to take advantage of this opportunity to equip students with vital cybersecurity knowledge and skills. By doing so, educators can play a pivotal role in cultivating a cyber-literate generation prepared to face the evolving threats of the digital age.

Additionally, parents and caregivers should prioritize cybersecurity education at home by engaging in open conversations about online safety with their children, encouraging good digital hygiene practices, and staying informed about the latest cyber threats.

Overall, society must recognize that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity education initiatives, we can build a resilient workforce capable of safeguarding our digital ecosystems and protecting our privacy and security.