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Cyberspace opens a whole new world for individuals and families today. Filled with adventures and experiences once reserved for only a few, now families separated geographically can share “baby’s first step” and people across the globe can meet and play together in a virtual world, such as a class of paraplegics taking a walk together on the shores of Costa Rica or Hawaii. However, as exciting as this is, danger still lurks in unsuspected places and may appear at the least expected moment. Whether you are using your smart phone, MP3 players, computers on-line or shopping at your local stores, without implementing some best practices for cybersecurity, you are at risk.

Securing Our eCity is committed to providing cybersecurity information through links to experts and foundational workshops for individuals, schools, businesses, and government agencies, as well as creating formal curriculum for incorporation into schools at many grade levels.

Cybersecure individuals, families, businesses, and schools will help make cyberspace more safe and fun for everyone.

In an effort to help promote the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program, they have set up an online scavenger hunt – a fun, interactive way to teach kids about being careful on the internet. FBI SOS is free and teachers can incorporate it into their classroom curriculum or parents can use it as a tool at home. The scavenger hunts are grade specific (3rd through 8th grades) and the topics covered vary depending on the age/grade of the children. To access the FBI SOS program, visit http://www.fbi-sos.org.

At Home Tips

At School Tips

A Parents’ Guide to Facebook Agent Surefire: Breach Buster – is an engaging cybersecurity adventure game for ages 13 and up. It is set in an office where a security breach has occurred and Agent Surefire has been engaged by the management to uncover the perpetrator. Along the way, in communicating with “The Central,” the agent finds out that the perpetrator just left the office and may be working with a notorious hacker on the outside named Cyrus. Communicate your values – parents, be up front about your values and how they apply in an online context. Keep your family’s computer in a shared space – a mistaken “click” can result in trouble, be there for your kids. Consider monitoring tools if your kids are under 16 The FTC provides a free book, NET CETERA – Chatting with Kids About Being Online.

Ensure your security systems are always up to date Provide a written IT policy for both teachers and students – it is best if this is enforced at a district level. This should encompass all digital devices (cell phones, computers, flash drives, etc.) Incorporate cyber-space and cybersecurity curriculum into your classrooms – see resources