Cybersecurity Education Resources for Grades 6-8

CISA is here to help with cybersecurity resources that meet your middle schooler where they are, such as the digital social and gaming spaces that can expose students to danger, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The topics featured within these resources increase situational awareness and security, offering the necessary cybersecurity tools that come with increased online presence and responsibility. 

Before your child starts going online unsupervised, it is more important than ever for them to be aware of the cyber threats they may encounter. Gaming chats can be a place for hackers to gather personal information.  Phishing emails can contain dangerous links. Viruses can attack computers without updated software. CISA has the following free materials to help teach your student the skills they need to stay protected online. 

6-8 Cybersecurity Resources

Cyber Safety

• Which websites are okay to visit? What kind of information is acceptable—and more importantly, what is not acceptable—to share online? CISAs Cybersecurity Awareness Resources for Parents and Educators provides tips and materials to help you start the discussion with your child or student.
• Chatting with Kids about Being Online is a booklet that provides excellent resources for parents and educators, covering topics from cyberbullying to smarter smart phone usage.
• The Resilience Series Graphic Novels highlight the importance of evaluating information sources to help individuals understand the risks from foreign influence operations on our society and democracy.
• CYBER.ORG’s Keys to Cybersecurity are self-paced, engaging activities designed to introduce students in 3rd - 8th grade to basic cybersecurity concepts. After completing each Key, students will be awarded a certificate showing mastery over the topic.
• CYBER.ORG also offers various resources in Spanish.
• The Creating a Password Tip Card is a one-page document with a list of simple tips to create a secure password.
• CYBER.ORG and CISA partnered to produce the Cyber Safety Series, a video series highlighting some common potential threats children are likely to face online and what can be done to make sure everyone stays safe.

Cybersecurity Games and Hands-On Activities 

• CYBER.ORG hosts various camps and competitionsthat provide students with the opportunity to become more involved in cyber, in a fun and interactive way.
• The CYBER.ORG Range is a no-cost, safe, virtual environment to practice cybersecurity skills. The Range allows teachers to lead their students through labs and lets them experience cyber-attacks in a safe and controlled virtual environment.