Cybersecurity for Children

Teaching Children about Cybersecurity

Palo Alto Networks is highlighting useful resources to help children learn more about cybersecurity, including an educational video series and hands-on Cyber A.C.E.S. Program. Parents and guardians can also find helpful tips to keep children safe online.

Teach Children About Cybersecurity with Help from Palo Alto Networks

We understand how important it is for families to stay safe and healthy during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. And we also know how important it is to find productive ways to continue education for your K-12 children.

Palo Alto Networks has a couple of great ways for you to teach children about cybersecurity.

If you’re a parent, then you know how daunting it can be to explain cybersecurity to a child when many don’t completely understand how the internet works, let alone how the internet can also be dangerous. Fortunately, we have some great resources to share with your children and family.

Quick Video Tutorials for Children

For a quick overview of cybersecurity for children, we offer Zuky, a cyber-hero at Palo Alto Network, who stars in a series of animated videos that help children learn about cybersecurity. You can find a playlist of Zuky’s helpful videos on our YouTube channel in different languages, including: English, Spanish, German, French, Dutch, and Italian.

For more information about Zuky and Kids in Cybersecurity by Palo Alto Networks, visit the Kids in Cybersecurity Hub.

Here are a couple videos with important topics that children should know during these times of high internet usage:

Tricky Links	Complex Passwords

Cyber A.C.E.S. for K-12 Children

If you are looking for a more in-depth way to teach your children about cybersecurity or if your children are teenagers, then we have another resource that is a bit more hands-on approach.

Cyber A.C.E.S. (Activities in Cybersecurity Education for Students) is a free, interactive learning program for children from ages 5 to 15 that equips them with the knowledge they need to have safer online experiences, and become good digital citizens.

The Cyber A.C.E.S. Program offers lessons that are designed to be facilitated by anyone, regardless of their knowledge level, with each module tailored to a specific age group. Each module includes a set of vocabulary words and educational activities.

Each module includes hands-on activities, based on age-group, in four areas:

Responsible Connectivity
Privacy
Communication
Digital Citizenship

Cyber ACES Lesson Roadmap and Access

We encourage you to download some of the Cyber A.C.E.S. modules and try them out!

For questions about this program, please email cyberaces@paloaltonetworks.com.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

Make sure all devices are protected with the latest software updates and strong passwords.
Be careful what you access or allow on open Wi-Fi networks.
Behave on the Internet as you would want your kids to behave.
Make sure each child has their own, non-privileged account.
Keep a computer just for kids in a visible area.
When talking to your kids, stop using technology and look them in the eye.