K-12 students

Educators worldwide are utilizing Microsoft resources during Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity and teach students about online safety. The theme for this October is “Secure Our World,” with various resources available, including conversation starters and immersive experiences like Minecraft Education worlds. Key points for discussing phishing with students include avoiding unknown links, being cautious with QR codes, recognizing social engineering tactics, and identifying red flags in phishing messages. The Minecraft Education Cyber and Digital Citizenship collection offers age-appropriate lessons on cybersecurity, divided into four bands: CyberSafe (ages 7-11), Cyber Fundamentals (ages 10-14), Cyber Expert (ages 13-18), and Cyber Defense (ages 14-18, 18 and older). Microsoft also provides mentorship opportunities, scholarships for cybersecurity degrees, and free certification for eligible students. To improve their cybersecurity skills, educators can access training modules from Microsoft that cover common threats, best practices for protecting personal information, and strategies for teaching cybersecurity concepts. By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, educators aim to empower students to become informed and responsible digital citizens.