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 Guests 00:46 Why Youth Cyber Matters 03:53 Campus Reality Check 05:56 Kids Tech Skills Gap 08:33 Gaming as Security Hook 10:51 Curriculum Needs Updating 13:26 Digital Citizenship Debate 15:12 Parents Schools and Equity 17:34 Regulation and Age Checks 21:45 Core Fundamentals to Teach 22:18 Passphrases Basics 22:40 Deepfakes And Social Engineering 24:26 Social Media Risks For Kids 25:53 Spotting Tech Skill Gaps 27:25 Curiosity As A Tech Signal 28:42 Parenting Misinformation Lessons 30:23 Rethinking Security Training 33:17 Tools Over Awareness Alone 36:15 Aptitude Tests And Personalization 40:24 Curriculum And Who Decides 41:08 Big Tech Shaping Education 43:51 Wrap Up And Next Episode