In an era where digital threats are becoming increasingly pervasive, the need for early cybersecurity education has never been greater. Infosec Institute, a top-tier cybersecurity training provider under the Cengage Group umbrella, has joined forces with nonprofit leader Common Sense Media to introduce K-12 Digital Citizenship—a new cybersecurity training series tailored specifically for young students.
Designed as part of the Infosec IQ security awareness training platform, this initiative aims to arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape safely. With cyber threats targeting users of all ages, the program is a crucial step in fostering digital literacy from an early age.
A Growing Threat to Children’s Digital Safety
The partnership comes at a critical time. According to a report by Javelin Strategy & Research, one in eight children in the U.S. has had their identity compromised in a data breach over the past six years. As schools become more reliant on digital tools, students are at an increasing risk of exposure to cyber threats, making digital literacy and privacy education essential.
Through K-12 Digital Citizenship, Infosec and Common Sense Media will provide age-appropriate cybersecurity lessons, teaching children how to safeguard personal data, practice responsible social media habits, and recognize online threats. Common Sense Media’s existing educational resources, already utilized by over 1.4 million educators and administrators, will serve as the foundation for these new interactive learning modules.
Cybersecurity for Every Age Group
The program features a range of multimedia content, including interactive videos, engaging lesson plans, and structured curriculum modules designed to fit seamlessly into K-12 education. By making these resources accessible through Infosec IQ, schools can integrate cybersecurity awareness into their existing digital literacy initiatives without overhauling their teaching structures.
“As a leader in cybersecurity training for more than two decades, we believe cybersecurity education should be accessible to everyone,” said Bret Fund, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infosec. “With students increasingly exposed to the internet and digital devices from a young age, it’s crucial to equip them with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online at their age. Partnering with Common Sense Media, a trusted resource for educators and families, allows us to deliver engaging and effective content that resonates with young learners.”
Key Features of K-12 Digital Citizenship
Tailored Learning: Age-specific lessons ensure that content is appropriate and engaging for different grade levels.
Comprehensive Cyber Education: The curriculum covers essential topics like password security, phishing threats, online etiquette, and data privacy.
Seamless Integration: Schools can incorporate the program into their existing cybersecurity awareness and digital citizenship training.
Expert-Led Development: The collaboration brings together two authoritative voices in cybersecurity and digital literacy education.
Yvette Renteria, Chief Program Officer at Common Sense Media, emphasized the importance of preparing students for the digital world. “At Common Sense Media, we’ve spent 20 years working closely with educators to understand how young people navigate the digital world and what skills they need to thrive,” she said. “This partnership with Infosec combines our deep understanding of digital literacy with Infosec’s cybersecurity expertise to help all students be smart, safe, and responsible digital citizens.”
A Step Toward a Cyber-Secure Future
With a launch set for spring 2025, K-12 Digital Citizenship will be available to all Infosec IQ clients, providing a scalable and effective way to introduce cybersecurity education into classrooms nationwide. By embedding cybersecurity awareness early in students’ education, Infosec and Common Sense Media are taking proactive steps to ensure the next generation is equipped to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.