Security threats and nefarious tactics from hackers are on the rise, demanding more awareness and vigilance online. According to an of over 150 billion daily security events in more than 130 countries, there was a 71% year-over-year increase in cyberattacks that used stolen or compromised data. Helping learners understand how to stay safe online, and what jobs are available for cybersecurity professionals, is of paramount importance to combat the rise in cyberattacks. No better time to start than Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
For the past 21 Octobers, the public and private sectors have marked , which is dedicated to helping individuals protect themselves against online threats and hackers looking for confidential data. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) lead a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise cybersecurity awareness globally.
How can I participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
This year’s theme is “Secure Our World,” which illustrates the importance of understanding how to stay safe and protecting online assets, which will be the enduring concept for future Cybersecurity Awareness Months going forward.
To help raise your learners’ cybersecurity awareness, you can access a full portfolio of resources, including this , covering everything from online safety to multi-factor authentication. Educators can also access such as tip sheets on digital citizenship, reporting cybercrime, and online safety when using AI; puzzles to test your students’ cybersecurity knowledge; and printable posters to hang around your school. Teachers can access these tools anytime, not just during Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week.
And don’t forget to get involved on social by sharing content with the hashtags #SecureOurWorld and #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth.
Which certifications can validate my students’ cybersecurity skills?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month can serve as a great kick-off to a long-term commitment of helping students build their cybersecurity skills. At Certiport, we offer curriculum, practice tests, and certifications to help learners gain and prove their cybersecurity skills at every level, from digital literacy basics to IT professionals. We also have some free student resources to help them put these credentials to work, helping them launch a career. You’re sure to find a program that will correspond most closely with your curriculum and be the best match for your learners.
IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
Cybersecurity begins with internet safety and digital literacy. Certiport’s IC3 Digital Literacy certification prepares candidates around the world to stay safe online. Internet safety is one of the main learning objectives on the new IC3 Digital Literacy Global Standard Six certification. Topics addressed on the IC3 Digital Literacy certification include safety and security and understanding how to protect others’ personally identifiable information.
Students who have mastered the basics of digital literacy can expand their skills with additional certifications, such as those listed below.
Information Technology Specialist
The Information Technology (IT) Specialist program allows individuals to validate foundational IT skills, such as cybersecurity, sought after by employers. Updated in July, the IT Specialist: Cybersecurity exam assesses learners’ understanding of key security principles, frameworks, and mindset.
Topics for the IT Specialist: Cybersecurity certification include:
- Security principles
- Securing the network
- Securing endpoint devices
- Vulnerability assessment and risk management
- Incident handling
Dive into additional details for each topic .
Cisco Certified Support Technician Certifications
With exams focused on IT support, networking and cybersecurity, the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification is an ideal first step into the world of network and data security. Topics for the cybersecurity exam include the following:
- Essential security principles
- Basic network security concepts
- Endpoint security concepts
- Vulnerability assessment and risk management
- Incident handling
For details on what each exam section covers, review the objective domains .
Microsoft Certified Fundamentals
In addition to program-agnostic certifications, we also offer training and certifications for today’s top cybersecurity platforms. Our Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certifications are the starting point for all students interested in creating a foundational knowledge in cloud offerings and related services from Microsoft.
This program includes the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) certification exam, perfect for those familiar with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 who want to learn about Microsoft’s security, compliance, and identity solutions.
Candidates for the program will be asked to:
- Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity
- Outline the capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions
- Explain the capabilities of Microsoft Security solutions
- Detail the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions
Find Microsoft's for the objective domains/study guides for this exam.
Ready to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Interested in learning more about cybersecurity certifications and curriculum for your classroom? Connect with a Certiport representative here.