{"id":6803,"date":"2024-09-26T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/?p=6803"},"modified":"2024-09-24T15:34:35","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T22:34:35","slug":"teach-cybersecurity-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2024\/09\/teach-cybersecurity-with-microsoft-and-minecraft-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Teach cybersecurity with Microsoft and Minecraft Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever wonder how one click could protect or expose your school? Cybersecurity is the key, and it starts with each of us. For Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 this October, join educators from across the globe already using Microsoft resources to enhance their own knowledge and teach cybersecurity to their students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cybersecurity isn\u2019t just about computer programs that prevent bad actors from accessing devices and systems, it\u2019s also about empowering students, educators, and staff with the knowledge to stay informed and vigilant. Understanding how cyber criminals target schools, the tricks they use to sneak in, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks is key to keeping your community more secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start the cybersecurity for educators training<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This October, let’s “Secure Our World<\/a>” together. From conversation tips to hands-on experiences like Minecraft Education worlds, you\u2019ll find cybersecurity resources to enhance your classroom instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting the cybersecurity conversation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Starting a conversation about cybersecurity with students is a simple and effective way to build cyber habits that keep everyone safer online<\/a>. Cyber criminals often use clever social engineering tactics to trick someone into downloading malicious software or revealing their personal information. Students might be more at risk because they\u2019re still learning to spot the difference between legitimate messages and potential threats.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\tSecure classroom technology\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tDiscover cybersecurity solutions<\/span> <\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Key points to discuss about phishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing personal information. Here are some essential points to cover with your students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Avoid clicking unknown links<\/strong>: Hackers use phishing links to infiltrate your life. These links can appear in text messages, emails, QR codes, search engines, websites, social media posts, and direct messages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Don’t access QR codes that seem too good to be true<\/strong>: Hackers have started using QR codes, a technique called Quishing, that direct unsuspecting users to a data harvesting or phishing page to collect personal data. Often they’re disguised as free giveaways or other compelling offers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Be aware of social engineering<\/strong>: Hackers may impersonate family members, friends, teachers, or authority figures to gain your trust and extract information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Recognize red flags<\/strong>: Phishing messages often contain misspellings, convey a sense of urgency, or offer fake rewards. Always hover over links to see where they lead before clicking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Examples of when to be extra vigilant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It’s important to teach students to be extra cautious in certain scenarios. Here are some examples for both primary and secondary level students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Primary school students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    • Researching information for a class report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Looking for online math tutoring courses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Searching for online videos and citing unverified information in schoolwork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Messaging a teacher with a question.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Secondary school students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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      • Differentiating between ads and organic posts on social media.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Receiving messages asking for passwords or threatening account lockouts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Being direct messaged with unknown links and urged to click them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Searching for jobs and applying to scam companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Researching and applying for college or trade school.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Receiving friend requests from duplicated profiles of known individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Even a quick 10-minute discussion about cybersecurity can significantly boost your school\u2019s overall safety. You might also want to share these tips with families so that they can reinforce these important lessons at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hands-on, minds-on experiences with Minecraft Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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