Girl Scouts Embark on Cybersecurity Mission
Paving the Path to Cyber-Savvy Scouts
The Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) is taking a bold step towards empowering young girls in the realm of cybersecurity. The organization has announced the development of a series of cybersecurity badges, set to be released in fall 2018. These badges will equip Girl Scouts with the knowledge and skills to combat the growing threats of cybercrime.
Cybersecurity: A Modern Necessity
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become paramount. From international cyber attacks to compromised smart devices, our personal data, finances, and even our safety are at risk. The Girl Scouts’ cybersecurity badges aim to address this critical need by introducing girls to the fundamentals of online protection.
Badges for Every Level
The cybersecurity badges will cover a wide range of topics, catering to girls of all ages and skill levels. From basic concepts like online identity protection to advanced topics such as hacking, these badges will provide a comprehensive education in cybersecurity.
STEM Education at the Forefront
The Girl Scouts’ commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is evident in this new initiative. The cybersecurity badges align with the organization’s goal of exposing girls to STEM subjects and encouraging their pursuit of careers in these fields.
Partnership with Palo Alto Networks
GSUSA has partnered with Palo Alto Networks, a leading security company, to develop the cybersecurity badges. Palo Alto Networks recognizes the importance of addressing gender barriers in the cybersecurity industry and believes that this program will inspire girls to become future industry leaders.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity industry has historically been dominated by men. Despite having higher levels of education than men in the field, women represent only 11% of the workforce. The Girl Scouts’ cybersecurity program aims to bridge this gap by targeting girls as young as five with badges that require mastery of different cybersecurity concepts.
Empowering Girls through Cyber-Preparedness
GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo emphasizes the importance of cyber-preparedness for all citizens, especially girls. With the rising cost of cybercrime, which is projected to reach $6 trillion annually by 2021, it is crucial to have a well-trained workforce of cybersleuths.
Expanding Horizons through Hackathons
Hackathons, events where participants collaborate to develop technological solutions, have been identified as a potential avenue for increasing women’s participation in cybersecurity. By making hackathons more welcoming to women, the Girl Scouts can further encourage girls to pursue careers in this field.
Conclusion
The Girl Scouts’ cybersecurity badges represent a significant step towards empowering girls in the face of growing cyber threats. Through comprehensive education, strategic partnerships, and targeted programs, the organization is fostering a new generation of cybersleuths who will shape the future of online security.