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
