Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing career field that requires STEM education and expertise
- The need for virtual security has led to the introduction of merit badges for cybersecurity and AI in Scouting America
- Cybersecurity is important on a personal level, and individuals need to know how to safely operate online to protect themselves, their families, and their communities
- Hands-on education and workshops are essential in teaching children and teens about digital safety and cybersecurity
- The new era of merit badges in Scouting America aims to teach youth about the importance of cybersecurity and how to stay safe online
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting digital devices and sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or harm. With the increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives, the need for cybersecurity has become a top priority. This has led to a rapidly growing career field, with a high demand for experts with STEM education and expertise. According to Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, commander of the human performance wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, "All of us need STEM. We depend on people with STEM degrees to move science forward." The wing has developed innovative technologies, such as a mobile device that measures vital signs and stores medical history, to advance science and improve healthcare.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is not only important on a national level but also on a personal level. Michael Dunn, an officer in the Air Force, emphasizes that "the digital world is a part of our daily lives, in every single way." As individuals, we need to know how to safely operate online to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. The new cybersecurity merit badge in Scouting America aims to teach youth about the importance of digital safety and how to stay safe online. Dunn notes that "it is important that as they use their digital devices, as they engage in online activities like social media and the wonderful things that are online that they can do, that they stay safe, not only to stay safe personally, but also to keep their data, their family, their school, and someday when they have a job, their companies’ systems and data secure."
Teaching Cybersecurity to Youth
To address the growing need for cybersecurity awareness, Scouting America has introduced merit badges for cybersecurity and AI. Hundreds of local Scouts from the Tecumseh and Miami Valley Councils attended workshops on digital safety, which covered topics such as WiFi security, computer viruses, bullying, digital extortion, and encryption. Tecumseh Council CEO Robert Lavoie believes that "this is something we desperately need to teach our youth about. And that’s what Scouts is all about: how to do things safely. And this is the next wave of that." The workshops provided hands-on education, which is essential in inspiring children and teens to take on the challenges of the cybersecurity world.
Hands-on Education and Community Engagement
The event was likely the largest kickoff event in America for the new era of merit badges, with Scouts traveling from neighboring states to attend. James Walden, director of Miami University’s Center for Cybersecurity, notes that "events like this are what excites us about the future — young people who are curious, motivated and willing to take on the challenges of our cybersecurity world." The center focuses on hands-on education to inspire children and teens, and the workshops provided a unique opportunity for Scouts to learn about digital safety and cybersecurity. By engaging with the community and providing hands-on education, Scouting America and organizations like the Center for Cybersecurity are working together to promote cybersecurity awareness and prepare the next generation of leaders in this field.
The Future of Cybersecurity
The introduction of merit badges for cybersecurity and AI in Scouting America marks an important step in promoting cybersecurity awareness and education. As technology continues to evolve, the need for cybersecurity experts will only continue to grow. By teaching youth about digital safety and cybersecurity, we can ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the online world safely and securely. As Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart notes, "these are all important tools for us," and by working together, we can create a safer and more secure digital future for all. The new era of merit badges in Scouting America is an exciting development, and it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of cybersecurity education and awareness.
