- Fortinet brings cybersecurity education to children before cyber criminals bring chaos to their devices
- Teaching children digital security can be smarter than relying solely on tools
- Gamified lessons and teacher -friendly tools can make cyber security
As cyber security threats continue to escalate globally, Fortinet has launched an ambitious initiative to tackle a critical blind place: the lack of digital security education for children.
The company’s new Security Awareness and Education Service: Educational Edition The initiative aims to introduce basic cybersecurity elements of each Australian classroom that spans both primary and secondary schools.
A recent Fortinet Report, found over half (56%) of IT leaders, mentions a lack of security awareness as a concern, while 97% believe more training would help reduce cyberattacks. The goal of this initiative is straightforward: Foster Digital Resilience, before children become targets.
Building a safer digital future through schools
“Technology is increasingly embedded in all aspects of our daily lives. Building cyberresilience starts with early education, and Fortinet is obliged to equip students and teachers with the skills they need to operate safely and responsibly online,” said Rob Keast, Partnership Development Manager at Fortinet.
The curriculum contains interactive videos, gamified learning experiences and comprehensive teaching resources, making it available not only to students but also for teachers who may not have previous cybersecurity expertise.
As the calls for more computers in schools are growing, and digital learning becomes the norm, this initiative occurs well. Teachers have responded positively.
“Cyber security is no longer a topic reserved for IT classes; it is an important life ability. The security consciousness curriculum makes it easy for teachers to introduce complex concepts in an engaging, age-impacting way,” said Sarah Hollinshead, interdisciplinary technology coordinator at Australian Science and Mathaste School.
“It gives educators confidence and tools to have important conversations about online security while helping students build the digital awareness they need through their education and future careers,” she added.
This step is part of Fortinet’s broader training initiative, which also includes free network security expert (NSE) certifications and technical curricula for institutions for higher education.
“The Security Awareness and Education Service: Educational Edition Represents a meaningful step towards building digital confidence in the education sector – combining access at no cost with flexible delivery and teacher support, ”said Rob Rashotte, vice president of the Fortinet Training Institute.
Although the intentions are commendable, the program is still raising questions. Can a school -based course alone keep up with the rapidly evolving trussel landscape?
Even the best antivirus software and parental control apps are struggling with zero-day threats, so it is uncertain whether a curriculum, no matter how well the design can fully prepare students for what is ahead.
Fortinet’s goal of educating a million people by 2026 is ambitious and commendable, but it is important to remember: Consciousness does not always guarantee behavioral change.
Via The Fast Mode
