Cybersecurity safety for kids
Featuring resources and fun activities to get the whole family involved in cybersecurity
The OIT-Information Security Office encourages kids of all ages to develop their cybersecurity knowledge and skills through a series of openly sourced educational content, including fun workbooks, videos, games, and coding exercises.
The content provided below is recommended for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Cybersecurity and STEM resources for kids
Please note that the suggested resources below will direct you to webpages outside of Rutgers. To report a broken link, please contact the Information Security Compliance and Training team.
For grades K-6 or all ages
KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Activity Kit
Dive into awesome games like Password Zapper and cool Roblox adventures or color your way to cyber safety with KnowBe4’s Security Cat activity book! Great for grades K-5.
NJCCIC Cybersecurity E-Learning for Students
Students of every age can explore this collection of resources designed to promote cybersecurity in a fun and exciting way, igniting their passion for technology! Great for all ages.
CyberOrg Cyber Safety Video Series
CYBER.ORG and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) partnered to produce this Cyber Safety Series to highlight some common potential threats you’re likely to face online and what you can do to make sure you stay safe!
CIAS K-5 STEM Worksheets
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance & Security offers free activity sheets introducing various STEM topics like cryptography, mathematics, and pattern recognition. Great for grades K-5.
Cybersecurity Lab
Embark on a thrilling mission and take cybersecurity into your own hands! Defend a company by crafting code, cracking passwords, and defeating hackers. Great for grades 5-8.
Hour of Code
Learn computer science and coding skills with these fun online games and activities hosted by Hour of Code! Great for all ages.
Google Interland
Google promotes “being Internet awesome” through a fun and interactive game that puts the key lessons of digital safety into hands-on practice with four challenging games. Best for grades 3+.
Google Space Shelter
Navigate your ship safely across the galaxy while learning how to safely browse the web! Answer cybersecurity questions and solve puzzles to successfully complete your journey. Best for grades 3+.
For grades 6-12
FBI: Safe Online Surfing
Learn safe web browsing skills by exploring maps and earning coins! Hunt down characters and answer questions correctly to proceed through the map. Great for grades 3-8.
DoD Cyber Challenge
Think you have what it takes to protect, defend, analyze, and strike down potential threats? This unique game challenges your critical thinking skills as you build up your organization’s defenses and thwart attempts to access your system. Great for grades 8-12.
Over the Wire: Capture the Flag Games
Do you have foundational knowledge of command line and SSH? Try Capture the Flag-style simulations that teach hacking concepts. Best for grades 8-12 and college students with knowledge of networking and Linux. (Higher Difficulty, Coding)
TryHackMe
Learn how attackers break down defenses and defend against attempts by following structured paths in a real-world environment! Develop command skills with guided, objective-based tasks in a virtual environment. Best for grades 8+. (Higher Difficulty, Coding)