Ransomware. Malware. Phishing. Stolen identities. These are all cyber security threats we face every single day during this digital age where we are all connected to each other through this great world wide web called the internet. With the increasing use of the internet due to more and more devices having web capabilities than ever before, it is critical to know how we can all protect ourselves from online dangers.
In 2018, understanding just how important it is to develop the skills necessary to stay safe in cyberspace, Girl Scouts USA unveiled brand new national badges focusing on the subject of cyber security for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. To earn these badges, girls will have to participate in activities that will give them a clear understanding of how the internet works, what cyber security is, what are the cyber threats they may face on the internet, and how they can stay safe from those threats and protect their identities.
Champion Solutions Group of Boca Raton, FL also understands how important it is for young people to gain the skills necessary to keep themselves safe during this age of Internet of Things (IoT). With more than 35 years in the IT business, over 400 certifications, and their daily work of identifying and mitigating online risks, they certainly have a lot of knowledge and expertise to share, and they want to share it with the girls of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida (GSSEF).
We asked Debbie Brenner, Cybersecurity, Compliance, Risk & Privacy Officer for Champion Solutions Group, why us?
“The Champion team consists of many former Girl Scouts. When I learned last fall that the Girl Scouts had recently released programs and badge opportunities around STEM initiatives, I immediately began designing a program around cyber security that could be offered to both children and parents. I approached the GSSEF team about the possibility of a partnership during 2019 through Champion’s Make a Difference Program, where the entire Champion team believes in giving back to our community and fostering the human connection.”
From here, GSSEF’s newest signature program, Cyber Security Champions was created with Champion Solutions Group as the program’s Presenting Sponsor.
So what is a cyber security champion? Debbie told us her thoughts and what Champion Solutions Group hopes girls will learn from this new program.
“A cyber security champion is someone who promotes cyber security by following good cyber digital-hygiene, spreads the word about cyber security by sharing their experiences and lessons learned, and becoming involved in cyber security related initiatives and programs.
It is never too early for children to begin learning about cyber security. We have designed this program to be a day for the girls to have fun while learning the basics around cyber security through the STOP. THINK. CONNECT TM theme, including if you see something, say something.
It is important that the girls understand their digital life and how what they share and post now could affect them later in life. We want each of the girls who attend to leave with the understanding of how to be a good digital citizen, which includes better understanding of how to protect themselves and their personal information from strangers while they are online. We also want them to be confident to talk to their parents or another trusted adult, such as their teacher, should something bad happen while they are online, including cyber bullying.
We also hope that by attending this program, girls will become more interested in cyber security overall and will want to pursue an educational path toward the variety of career options within this field in many different types of industries.”
The Cyber Security Champions program will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Double Tree by Hilton Deerfield Beach – Boca Raton.
Girls of all age levels will become a cyber security champion alongside the cyber security experts of Champion Solutions Group. They will get hands-on experience defending internet-connected systems and will leave with the skills and knowledge to keep themselves and others safe in cyberspace by protecting their identities and spotting online dangers – all while earning Cyber Security Badges 1 & 2 (Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors only) or an exclusive curriculum-earned patch (Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors).
While this is a drop-off event, parents will also have an opportunity to attend a parent panel titled: How to Protect Your Children in This Age of Internet of Things (IoT).
For more information and to register, click here.
Have questions about the program or want to become a Girl Scout so you can attend? Email us at customercare@gssef.org or call 561-427-0177.
For more information about Champion Solutions Group, you may visit their website or contact Debbie Brenner, Champion’s Cybersecurity, Compliance, Risk & Privacy Officer, directly at dbrenner@championsq.com or 561-997-2900 x 174.
