Our lives are becoming more and more connected to technology every day. The number of social networking and instant messaging accounts are exploding. By the end of 2010, The Radicati Group projects that there will be 2.2 billion social network accounts worldwide. At the same time, the threat to our information systems from hackers and bad actors is increasing just as rapidly. That is why protecting our Nation's critical information in cyber space is one of our most serious economic and national security challenges, and you can help!

The field of cyber security offers a wealth of interesting educational opportunities and career pathways that can be very attractive to students who you might never consider your future cyber security buffs. And there are a growing number of resources that you can use to help introduce your students to this new field and help them develop the skills they need.



The first step is making sure that your students have the knowledge you need to make a contribution to the field of cyber security and a strong computer science science program at your school is the best place for your students to start. The CSTA K–12 Computer Science Standards contain the specific learning outcomes that students need to know to secure their own cyber safety and to begin to build their cyber security knowledge.

Click here to download a document that details those learning standards.



This exciting new classroom poster, developed in partnership with the National Security Agency, highlights critical elements of computer science including cyber security, design and creativity, problem solving programming, and collaboration. You can download a copy from this website or request copies of the poster for outreach events or for your classroom (CSTA members only). To order posters, please contact d.ferris@hq.acm.org.

Click here to download poster (28.3 MB).


The National Security Agency (NSA) has also developed a wide range of programs to help students become the cyber security experts of tomorrow.

Click on the following sites to explore these resources for your students.




For High School Students:
Early Opportunities for K–12

For Middle School and Early High School Students:
Change the World

For Middle School and Elementary Students:
America's Cryptokids: Future Codemakers & Code breakers




Joining the Cybersecurity Revolution: What it Means, Where the Jobs Are, How You Can Join

Lisa Foreman, Founder and CEO of the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, is a leading expert in the field of Cybersecurity. In this webinar, Lisa describes exactly what Cybersecurity means, what types of jobs are currently available, and how you can get the training to join this field at any level. This talk is perfect for students who seek to understand what the opportunities are in Cybersecurity and also provide strategies for career women who are seeking to enter this field. In addition, this program will enable you to understand how cyber security is impacting your organization.

Click here to view this webinar