The Importance of Cybersecurity in Education

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3/10/20252 min read

Esteban Perez, Service Manager at Isbel.

He holds a degree in Electronics from Universidad ORT Uruguay and a Master's degree in Cybersecurity from Universitat de Barcelona.

With nearly 10 years of experience in various roles at Isbel, Esteban returned to the Quantik team in 2023. With more than 15 years of experience, he has led technical teams in telecommunications, systems, and information security.

In a world where technology is omnipresent and generative artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, I consider it fundamental to reflect on the importance of cybersecurity in the formal education of children and adolescents. As experienced professionals in the field of cybersecurity, we must be aware that we are shaping the future of a generation that is growing up immersed in a digital environment.

Today's children and adolescents, known as digital natives, are surrounded by electronic devices and online platforms from an increasingly early age. While their interaction with technology is innate, do they truly understand the associated risks? In my experience, with rare exceptions, awareness of these risks is still far from complete.

New Technologies, New Risks

In the current context, one of the most relevant phenomena is deepfake, a technique that enables the creation of highly convincing fake videos through the manipulation of images and audio. Although this technique has numerous positive applications across various industries -- such as lip synchronization in dubbing, restoration of vintage audiovisual material, and the creation of engaging educational content -- it also raises serious concerns. For example, it could be used to spread false information or manipulate public perception of events and public figures, generating confusion and disruption in society.

Generative artificial intelligence (for example, in content recommendation systems) enhances the user experience by offering personalized recommendations, but it also raises questions about the privacy and security of personal data.

Cybersecurity Education

Formal education, along with education at home, plays a crucial role in preparing young people to face all types of challenges. But should we include information security awareness as a relevant topic? Introducing cybersecurity concepts into the school curriculum not only provides students with the necessary knowledge but also fosters a culture of responsibility and caution online.

There are many areas where formal education can make a difference. Learning to create strong passwords or understanding the risks of sharing personal information online can have a significant impact.

It is essential to develop the tools educators need to use interactive and practical teaching methods that engage students in learning about cybersecurity. Activities such as cyberattack simulations and problem-solving exercises can help young people better understand the risks of online threats.

From Early Age to Senior Years

Cybersecurity awareness is essential in the formal education of children and adolescents. With the growing presence of technology and generative artificial intelligence in our lives, we have a responsibility to equip future generations with the skills they need to protect themselves in the digital world. By doing so, we are not only safeguarding their security and privacy but also building a safer and more resilient future for everyone.

We must also not forget about our senior citizens. Let us talk, raise awareness, and teach; our actions are key to ensuring they do not feel unprotected in this digital world.

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