Teaching Security


Illustration of a teacher presenting to a class, with a projection of cybersecurity symbols

The “Teaching Security” lessons introduce the foundational ideas of cybersecurity, built on threat modeling and the human-centered nature of authentication.

The materials are prepared by subject-matter experts with research backgrounds in the technical workings and social implications of cybersecurity.

Our lessons are designed to meet the cybersecurity learning objectives in the AP® Computer Science Principles (CSP) framework, but they are flexible enough to be used in any high school computer science class or program.

The Teaching Security Lessons

The Security Mindset: Cybersecurity through Threat Modeling

Illustration of two people looking at a whiteboard with a diagram of a computer system that includes users and potential adversaries

Introduces students to the basic concepts of cybersecurity and the “Security Mindset” through a series of threat modeling activities.

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What Is Authentication and Why Do We Need It?

Illustration of monsters, robots, and villains trying to enter a door with a password dialog box on it

Breaks down the role of user identification and authentication in keeping systems secure.

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Social Engineering: The Oldest Hack

Illustration of someone contemplating a login dialog being dangled off a fishhook by a tentacular monster

Gets students thinking about how both human nature and the structure of the Internet contribute to social engineering attacks.

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