As our world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity is a topic of growing importance. It is crucial that companies and individuals take precautions to protect themselves from the growing threat of cyber attacks. This course prepares students with crucial skills to be responsible citizens in a digital future. Introduction to Cybersecurity is the first online blended K12 cybersecurity course and is designed for students with some exposure to computer science, but there are no specific course prerequisites. Topics included are: foundational cybersecurity topics including digital citizenship and cyber hygiene, and information literacy. This is a one semester course designed for middle school students.
By the Numbers
Units
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| What is Cybersecurity?: Students will be introduced to cybersecurity basics. They will focus on why cybersecurity is important, recent threats to cybersecurity, and different careers in the field. | |
| Digital Citizenship and Cyber Hygiene: Students will explore topics on Internet etiquette and how to stay safe on the world wide web. They will also look at the potential effects of their digital footprints, how to protect information from online risks, and the implications of cyberbullying. Finally, the module includes how to find and cite quality resources online. | |
| Information Literacy: Students will explore topics on information literacy and learn how to find and cite quality resources online. | |
| Final Project: PSA: For this final project, students will create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to teach their peers about cybersecurity. They can select any of the topics covered in this course. |
Demos
Click on a demo to test it out.
Phishing Simulator
Password Hacking: Brute Force
Resources
Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Introduction to Cybersecurity (Caesar) course
Format of Course
The entirely web-based curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, quizzes, real world connections, simulations, open response reflections, challenge problems, and unit tests. The course is designed for a year long class that meets 5 days per week, though schools implement it in a variety of ways.
Who is it for?
The Introduction to Cybersecurity course is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive. There are no prerequisites for this course, and the course is recommended for students in Grades 6-8.
Interested?
Interested in teaching the Introduction to Cybersecurity course with CodeHS? Get in touch, so we can help you bring CodeHS to your school!
Bring to My SchoolStandards
Introduction to Cybersecurity (Caesar) is aligned with the following standards
| Standards Framework | View Alignment |
|---|---|
| Indiana Introduction to Computer Science | View (13.2%) |