- What is cybersecurity field
- Skills needed
- Learning resources
- Attending conferences
- Obtaining certifications
- How parents can support
Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech professionals—it’s becoming a must-know skill for everyone, including students as young as kindergarten.
With classrooms increasingly relying on digital tools and students spending more time online than ever, understanding how to stay safe in cyberspace is no longer optional—it’s essential.
But cybersecurity isn’t just about protection; it’s also an exciting gateway to problem-solving, critical thinking, and high-demand career paths.
So, how can K–12 students begin their journey into this fascinating world? Whether you’re a teacher looking to introduce cybersecurity in your classroom or a student curious about hacking for good, this guide will help you get started.
Related resources
What is the cybersecurity field?
Cybersecurity protects computer systems, networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
It involves a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to ensure information confidentiality, integrity, and availability. In simpler terms, it’s about staying safe and secure in the digital world.
This includes everything from using strong passwords and being cautious about suspicious emails to understanding how to protect personal information online.
For students who develop an interest and aptitude in cybersecurity, a wide array of rewarding and in-demand career paths awaits them. Some potential cybersecurity careers include:
Cybersecurity Analyst
- These professionals monitor networks and systems for security breaches, analyze security incidents, and implement preventative measures.
Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)
- Employed to legally and ethically attempt to hack into systems to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements.
Security Engineer
- Responsible for designing, implementing, and managing security systems and infrastructure.
Digital Forensics Analyst
- Investigates cybercrimes, recovers digital evidence, and helps to bring perpetrators to justice.
Information Security Manager
- Oversees an organization’s overall security strategy and ensures that security policies and procedures are effectively implemented.
Security Software Developer
- Creates and maintains software tools and applications designed to enhance cybersecurity.
Privacy Officer
- Focuses on ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and implementing policies to protect personal information.
Skills needed for a career in cybersecurity
Before being successful in the cybersecurity field, students must also have an in-depth understanding of other skills in the technology field.
Students should begin by learning the basics outlined in this section to prepare themselves for a career in cybersecurity.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Identifying potential threats and finding effective solutions requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Digital Literacy: Understanding how technology works, navigating online environments safely, and evaluating the credibility of online information are fundamental.
Risk Assessment: Learning to identify potential risks associated with online activities and making informed decisions to mitigate those risks.
Data Privacy Awareness: Understanding what personal information is, why it’s valuable, and how to protect it online.
Strong Password Management: Creating and remembering strong, unique passwords and understanding the importance of multi-factor authentication.
Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively communicating about cybersecurity risks and best practices.
Technical Aptitude: Developing an interest in how computers, networks, and software function can provide a strong foundation for more advanced cybersecurity concepts.
Ethical Awareness: Understanding the ethical implications of online behavior and the importance of responsible digital citizenship.
Cybersecurity learning resources
More and more online resources are popping up to help teach students in K-12 about cybersecurity. These resources can help prepare students for secondary education, internships, or even an entry-level job in cybersecurity.
Let’s take a look at some of the popular resources available on the market today.
US Cyber Patriot
CyberPatriot is a cybersecurity education program created by the Air Force Association (AFA) to inspire K-12 students to pursue careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The US CyberPatriot program includes cyber camps and the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation’s largest cyber defense competition. The competition allows high school and middle school students to compete by putting them in charge of securing virtual networks.
This type of hands-on experience is priceless and allows students to truly feel what it is like to work in the cybersecurity field.
National Cyber League
The National Cyber League is similar to CyberPatriot. The National Cyber League is a platform that allows students to learn about cybersecurity and use what they learn in competitions.
These competitions simulate real-life cyber threats in a safe environment for students to learn how to defend organizations against cyber threats and keep them secure.
Hacker Highschool
Hacker High School is a program created by the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies (ISECOM). Hacker High School is a self-paced, self-learning curriculum. The Hacker Highschool curriculum is a continually growing collection of cybersecurity lessons explicitly geared toward teens ages 12-20. The curriculum covers topics such as Attack Analysis and Defensive Hacking.
Hacker Highschool is an excellent platform for students to use alongside labs and other complementary resources to learn about the cybersecurity industry.
Codecademy
Codecademy is not a site specifically for cybersecurity, but rather it is a free interactive platform to learn how to code. Depending on which cybersecurity specialty you are interested in, coding may be an essential aspect. Regardless of the specialization chosen, learning to code will give you a head start in your career.
Codecademy offers courses in computer science, data science, PHP, Python, Ruby, and much more.
Cybrary
Cybrary is a free online platform designed to teach individuals cybersecurity skills. Cybrary isn’t explicitly designed for middle school and high school students like some other programs mentioned here.
However, it is still a great resource to learn the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity. While all of the courses on Cybrary are free to view, students can choose to pay for a Pro subscription, which provides career pathways for specified careers.
Cybrary offers a wide range of difficulty levels in its courses. For instance, Cybrary offers beginner-level courses such as Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity as well as advanced-level courses like the Offensive Penetration Testing course.
Cybersecurity summer camps
Cybersecurity Summer camps are an excellent resource for learning about the cybersecurity field. Attendees also get the chance to meet friends who have the same interests as they.
GenCyber is one example of organizations that offer cybersecurity summer camps in states throughout the country. GenCyber camps are open to all student and teacher participants at no cost. Funding is provided together by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation.
Many universities also offer cybersecurity summer camps, so check around at the local universities in your area.
Capture the flag
Capture the flags, more commonly referred to as CTFs, are ethical hacking competitions. There are various types of capture the flag events, but the most popular kind of CTF challenges students to attack their opponent’s systems while also defending their own systems. Capture the flag events are an invaluable method to prepare students for real-life roles in the cybersecurity world.
Some high schools will have CTF teams already in place. Universities often have CTF teams as well, which will accept high school students. The Def Con CTF is one of the most notable and famous CTF events.
Attending conferences
Another great way to learn about cybersecurity is to rub elbows with those in the field. Attending cybersecurity conferences is a fantastic way to accomplish this.
Let’s review some of the best cybersecurity conferences to attend.
DEF CON
One of the most notable cybersecurity conferences is DEF CON. It takes place every year in Las Vegas during the summer. It consists of talks and sessions by experienced leaders in the cybersecurity field, as well as various villages focused on lock picking, social engineering, and more. While there is no age requirement to attend DEF CON, parents should accompany their children to the conference as it is an “adult” atmosphere.
Black Hat
Another conference that occurs in Las Vegas during the summer is Black Hat. It generally occurs the week before DEF CON. A significant difference between Black Hat and DEF CON is that Black Hat offers full-scale training classes as well as briefings, while DEF CON focuses on expert seminars and hands-on villages. Unfortunately, Black Hat attendees must be at least 18 years of age to attend.
Shmoocon
For those residing on the East Coast, Shmoocon might be a better option than DEF CON or Black Hat. Shmoocon is held in Washington, DC and is open to people of all ages. Shmoocon is a three-day conference comprised of speed talks and hands-on training.
BSides
Not everyone, especially many students, can fly to Las Vegas or Washington, DC, for a conference. On top of that, many students can’t afford the hefty ticket prices for conventions such as Black Hat or DEF CON. Sure, there are scholarships, but if you are not one of the lucky ones to receive them, it may seem out of reach. BSides conferences are a great alternative.
Security BSides conferences are held all over the country. The idea is to make cybersecurity events as accessible as possible to everyone. The cost of entry for a BSides event is typically free or low-cost. Check out the BSides website to see if there is a BSides conference near you!
Local conferences
In addition to the local BSides conferences, many cities and universities will host their local cybersecurity conventions. Keep an eye out for listings in your area.
Obtaining certifications
Believe it or not, many of the certifications required for cybersecurity jobs can be obtained while still in high school.
Certifications are an excellent way to hone IT skills and open plenty of doors to entry-level IT jobs right out of high school.
Students may even have an easier time preparing for these certification exams than adults because they are at a point in their lives when they are developing useful and healthy studying habits.
Below are some of the certifications that are available for both students and adults.
CompTIA certifications
CompTIA certifications are widely recognized throughout the IT industry as a whole. From my personal experience, obtaining a CompTIA certification, specifically the CompTIA A+ certification, at a young age opened many doors. After passing the CompTIA A+ at age 16, I received a job offer to start as an entry-level network engineer at age 17.
There is no age requirement for the CompTIA exams; however, they recommend that candidates be at least 13 years old. The recommended path for CompTIA certifications is A+ > Network + > Security +. After achieving the CompTIA Security+ certification, students can focus on more advanced certifications such as the Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification or the Pen Test+.
Microsoft certifications
Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications that are available to individuals of any age. The youngest person to pass the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) was just five years old! Microsoft has varying levels of certifications, including the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).
Cisco certifications
Like Microsoft, Cisco also offers specialized certifications. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the most widely recognized networking certifications in the industry. The CCNA is also often a prerequisite for many jobs.
Currently, minors under the age of 13 are not permitted to take the exam, but those between the ages of 13-17 may take the exam as long as they have parental consent.
Cisco offers other, more advanced specialized certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) Security, which is useful for those entering the cybersecurity field.
While there is no prerequisite for taking the CCNP Security exam, Cisco recommends that candidates have passed the CCNA exam first.
How parents can help?
As a parent, it can be challenging to know how to prepare your children for a career that you haven’t pursued. Fortunately, there are plenty of great resources for parents out there.
First, begin teaching your children about cybersecurity and online safety from a young age. Whether your child decides to pursue a career in cybersecurity or not, everyone needs to understand how to browse the Internet safely.
Here are some ways parents can provide support:
- Open Communication: Establish open and honest conversations about online safety, encouraging children to come to them with any concerns or if they encounter anything suspicious online.
- Setting Clear Boundaries and Rules: Define clear rules about internet usage, screen time, and the types of websites and apps that are appropriate.
- Educating Themselves: Parents should also educate themselves about current online threats and best practices to better guide their children.
- Using Parental Control Tools: Utilize parental control software and features available on devices and platforms to monitor and manage their children’s online activities.
- Leading by Example: Practice safe online habits themselves, such as using strong passwords and being cautious about sharing personal information.
- Creating a Safe Online Environment: Ensure that home Wi-Fi networks are secure with strong passwords and consider using VPNs for added privacy.
- Teaching Critical Evaluation of Online Content: Help children develop the ability to critically evaluate online information and identify potential scams or misinformation.
- Encouraging Participation in Learning Resources: Support their involvement in cybersecurity clubs, camps, and online learning platforms.
- Staying Informed: Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and trends to have relevant conversations with their children.
As children grow and begin to show an interest in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, parents should encourage them to continue learning by offering small projects to tackle.
STEM subscription boxes such as KiwiCo, or Creation Crate deliver excellent hands-on projects that can be completed by children ages ten and up.
Once children enter middle school and high school, parents can look into local cybersecurity boot camps or summer training camps. These camps, such as GenCyber, provide an extraordinary way for students to learn about the cybersecurity field and find friends who share the same interests as them.
Parents can also help their children by taking them to cybersecurity conferences, whether small local conferences or larger ones like Shmoocon in Washington, DC.
Final thoughts
The need for cybersecurity and cybersecurity professionals isn’t going away soon. As cybercriminals invent more sophisticated ways to break into networks and systems, the next generation of cybersecurity engineers must be ready to take on these criminals head-on.
As with anything in life, the younger you begin training, the likelier you are to become an expert. This fact holds for cybersecurity. Students who start learning about cybersecurity young age are more likely to succeed in the industry.
However, cybersecurity itself is a massive collection of skillsets. To pursue cybersecurity, students must first learn skills such as computer hardware and software, computer operating systems, networking, and occasionally coding.
Fortunately, there are plenty of online resources that students can utilize to learn the skills mentioned. CyberPatriot, The National Cyber League, Hacker Highschool, Cybrary, and Codecademy are just a few online resources available.
Students are eligible to pursue certifications earlier than some would expect. CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft all offer certification exams to students who are still in high school. These certifications provide a head start for students in their careers and may even translate into college credits.
Parents can help their children pursue a career in cybersecurity by taking them to cybersecurity conferences and teaching them how to stay safe on the Internet, often and early.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are essential if we want to raise a future generation of leaders, citizens, and workers to solve the complex problems they are sure to face in the future.
Cybersecurity is a significant part of STEM, and by teaching children about it early, we can ensure a safe and secure digital future.
Frequently asked questions
Cybersecurity is crucial for K-12 students because they are growing up in a digital age. Protecting their online presence and understanding the risks associated with the internet can help them navigate the digital world safely. Moreover, as schools increasingly integrate technology into the curriculum, ensuring a secure learning environment becomes paramount.
Yes, there are tools designed specifically for the K-12 environment. These include content filters, monitoring software, and educational platforms that teach students about cybersecurity in an age-appropriate manner.
Yes, many organizations offer age-appropriate cybersecurity courses for K-12 students. These courses cover topics like online safety, digital footprints, and the basics of cybersecurity.
Many organizations, such as the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Centre, offer resources and guidelines tailored for the K-12 environment.
Parents can discuss online safety with their children, set up parental controls and content filters, monitor their child’s online activities, encourage open communication about any online issues, and keep software and devices updated.
While most cybersecurity certifications are designed for professionals, some beginner-level certifications and courses are suitable for high school students interested in the field.
Sources
- Top 8 in-demand cyber careers in 2025 | Sourced from TechTarget in Apr 2025
- What Is The Role Of Parents In Cybersecurity? | From eLearning Industry in Apr 2025