Shaping Cybersecurity: Educating the Next Generation

On the Tech for Business podcast, Collin (Manager of Solutions Engineering at ThreatLocker) and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity at CIT) discuss how to build cybersecurity awareness and secure habits earlier—especially in K–12 and universities—based on Colin’s dark web presentations showing frequent compromises in education. They explore generational shifts as kids adopt internet-connected devices earlier, the need to normalize fundamentals like password management, passphrases, password managers, and MFA/2FA (even for gaming accounts), and the growing importance of social engineering and spotting AI deepfakes. The group debates who should own curriculum standards, notes North Dakota’s requirement for at least one computer science or cybersecurity course to graduate, and considers “digital citizenship,” parent responsibility, and the role of schools, industry, and regulation. They also discuss improving workplace onboarding and training through better access controls and aptitude-based, personalized education.00:00 Meet the Guests00:46 Why Youth Cyber Matters03:53 Campus Reality Check05:56 Kids Tech Skills Gap08:33 Gaming as Security Hook10:51 Curriculum Needs Updating13:26 Digital Citizenship Debate15:12 Parents Schools and Equity17:34 Regulation and Age Checks21:45 Core Fundamentals to Teach22:18 Passphrases Basics22:40 Deepfakes And Social Engineering24:26 Social Media Risks For Kids25:53 Spotting Tech Skill Gaps27:25 Curiosity As A Tech Signal28:42 Parenting Misinformation Lessons30:23 Rethinking Security Training33:17 Tools Over Awareness Alone36:15 Aptitude Tests And Personalization40:24 Curriculum And Who Decides41:08 Big Tech Shaping Education43:51 Wrap Up And Next Episode