Cybersecurity 101

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Lesson Goals:

Introduce what cybersecurity means, why it matters, and how it protects people and technology.

1. What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity means protecting computers, networks, and data from being stolen, damaged, or accessed without permission.

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Cybersecurity is like locking the doors and windows of your digital house.

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2. Why Cybersecurity Matters

Without cybersecurity, anyone could:

• Steal your personal information (like credit card numbers)
• Break your computer or delete your files
• Trick you into giving away passwords
• Take over your accounts

Real-Life Examples:

• Identity theft: Someone uses your personal information to open fake accounts.
• Hacked accounts: A stranger gets into your email or social media.

3. Common Cyber Threats

Threat	What it Means
Viruses	Programs designed to spread from one device to another, causing harm by deleting files, slowing down your computer, or even crashing systems. Viruses often hide in email attachments, downloads, or infected websites.
Phishing	Fake emails, texts, or websites that try to trick you into giving away personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. They often look very real, pretending to be from trusted companies like banks or online stores, your boss, or even a close friend or family member.
Malware	Short for "malicious software," this is any software made to harm your computer, steal your data, or spy on your activities. Malware includes viruses, spyware, trojans, and more.
Ransomware	A type of malware that locks you out of your files or even your entire system. The attacker demands money, A.K.A. ransom, to unlock them. Paying doesn’t always guarantee you’ll get your files back, either. Often, lawyers or forensics teams are sent in to negotiate on behalf of companies, and while it may seem like a deal was worked out, there is nothing to hold a cybercriminal to their word.

4. Who Needs Cybersecurity?

Everyone!

If you use a phone, computer or the internet, cybersecurity affects you.

• Individuals- Whether you're browsing social media, shopping online, or checking emails, you are a target. Cybersecurity helps protect your personal information, photos, financial accounts, and privacy.
• Companies- From small businesses to large tech giants, companies need to protect customer data, financial records, trade secrets, and daily operations. A cyber attack could cost them money, trust, and reputation.
• Governments- Governments protect critical systems like power grids, transportation, national security, and citizen data. A cyberattack on a government agency can have serious impacts on public safety and even national defense.

In short:

If you go online, cybersecurity is part of your life. Protecting yourself helps protect everyone around you too.

Lesson Summary

• Cybersecurity protects computers, networks, data and people from online threats.
• It helps to stop theft, damage, scams, and spying.
• Without cybersecurity, people's PII (personally identifiable information), businesses, and even governments could be at risk.
• Everyone who uses a phone, computer, the internet, or even simple smart devices like security cameras or thermostats, need cybersecurity to stay safe.

Every time you go online, you have the power to protect yourself- and understanding cybersecurity is the first step.