Posted by Rachel J. Pierson
Together, we can inspire the next generation of cyber defenders and give students the tools they need to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Thank you for your commitment to cybersecurity education and for being part of this important effort during Cybersecurity Month!
As we are over halfway through Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to dive into the exciting world of cybersecurity education and the role we play as educators in preparing students for the future. Whether it’s protecting personal data or defending entire networks, cybersecurity is essential to the health and safety of our digital world. This month, we’re highlighting some key initiatives and opportunities to help you bring cybersecurity into your classroom!

Exploring Cybersecurity with Black Hills Information Security (BHIS)

We recently had the pleasure of hosting an Exploring Cybersecurity event featuring expert penetration testers from Black Hills Information Security (BHIS). They shared their insights on the latest cybersecurity trends, their experiences in securing systems, and how educators can introduce real-world cybersecurity concepts to their students.
If you missed the live event, don’t worry—the recording will soon be available on our YouTube channel. This session is a must-watch for anyone looking to inspire their students with practical knowledge and pathways into the cybersecurity field. Stay tuned for the link, and be sure to share it with your colleagues!

CyberPatriot: Preparing the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders

We’re also excited to announce that seven teams from South Dakota are already registered to compete in this year’s CyberPatriot competition! If you’re not familiar with CyberPatriot, it’s the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air & Space Forces Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity and other critical STEM fields.
At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, where high school and middle school students are tasked with securing virtual networks from simulated cyber threats. This hands-on experience not only teaches students about the importance of cybersecurity but also empowers them to develop the skills needed for future careers in tech. It’s incredible to see how CyberPatriot is shaping the future of cybersecurity education, and we can’t wait to cheer on our South Dakota teams as they tackle this year’s challenges!

Join the Cybersecurity Conversation

Cybersecurity is one of the most dynamic and important fields in today’s digital world, and we want to hear from you! How are you incorporating cybersecurity into your lessons? What questions do you or your students have about cybersecurity careers?
Head over to our social media channels and share your experiences or tips for teaching cybersecurity in your school. Let’s create a dialogue that helps educators across South Dakota learn from each other and bring more cybersecurity awareness to our students. Don’t forget to tag us so we can feature your stories!