Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity & System Defense

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Protecting devices, networks, accounts, and identity from digital threats. Students build a defense-in-depth understanding ranging from physical security to firewalls, social engineering defense, and security operations.

Level 1

Physical & Peripheral Security

Practice physical device security, screen locking, and USB security protocols.

Learning objective

Students will demonstrate locking their screen (`Win+L`) when stepping away and refusing untrusted USB drives.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Cybersecurity starts in the physical world! Leaving your screen unlocked allows anyone to read your emails or delete files. Similarly, unknown USB flash drives can carry hidden malware virusesโ€”never plug in a drive you found! In computing, physical actions protect personal digital spaces. As you explore the interactive Security Audit Simulator below, focus on how to explain why plugging unknown USB drives into a computer is dangerous (malware risk).

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Physical Device Lockdown

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 1 Tasks 1, 2 & 3

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Identifies that stepping away from an open computer lets others see private work.

Developing

Demonstrates locking the screen before leaving a computer desk.

Secure (Goal)

Explains why plugging unknown USB drives into a computer is dangerous (malware risk).

Mastery

Audits classroom physical device security and creates screen-locking reminder posters.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

Why is locking your screen just as important as locking your front door at home?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Explains why plugging unknown USB drives into a computer is dangerous (malware risk).

Learning check

Learning Check

What is the quickest keyboard shortcut to lock your Windows screen when walking away?

Choose the safest action:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Win+L instantly locks your desktop to keep your account safe while you're away.Try again! Win+L is the standard shortcut to lock your screen.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Teacher notes: Facilitate the See, Think, Wonder routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Form (Physical actions protect personal digital spaces.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Identifies that stepping away from an open computer lets others see private work.
  • Developing: Demonstrates locking the screen before leaving a computer desk.
  • Secure: Explains why plugging unknown USB drives into a computer is dangerous (malware risk).
  • Mastering: Audits classroom physical device security and creates screen-locking reminder posters.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.01.B.1.1 โ€” Practice physical device security, screen locking, and USB security protocols.

PYP: Form ยท Physical actions protect personal digital spaces.

Learner profile: Principled

Competency tags

  • cybersecurity
  • physical-security
  • screen-lock
  • usb-safety

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "What is the quickest keyboard shortcut to lock your Windows screen when walking away?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

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Locked level

Level 2: Authentication & Multi-Factor (MFA)

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 2

Authentication & Multi-Factor (MFA)

Understand authentication factors (something you know, have, are) and multi-factor security.

Learning objective

Students will classify authentication types into 3 factors: Something You Know, Have, and Are.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Relying on just a password isn't enough anymore! Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires TWO different types of proof: 1) Something you KNOW (password), 2) Something you HAVE (phone/authenticator app), or 3) Something you ARE (fingerprint/face). In computing, multi-layered verification systems strengthen identity protection. As you explore the interactive Security Audit Simulator below, focus on how to explain why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protects accounts even if a password is stolen.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

MFA Factor Sorting Game

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 2 Tasks 4, 5 & 6

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

States that passwords prove who you are to a computer.

Developing

Gives examples of password (know), security key (have), and fingerprint (are).

Secure (Goal)

Explains why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protects accounts even if a password is stolen.

Mastery

Designs a 2-factor authentication flow for a simulated school bank or portal.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

If a hacker steals your password, why does MFA stop them from logging into your account?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Explains why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protects accounts even if a password is stolen.

Learning check

Learning Check

A fingerprint or facial scan is an example of which authentication factor?

Identify the factor category:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Biometrics like fingerprints and face scans belong to 'Something You Are'.Remember: Biometrics are physical traitsโ€”'Something You Are'.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Parts, Purposes, Complexities

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Parts, Purposes, Complexities routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Function (Multi-layered verification systems strengthen identity protection.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: States that passwords prove who you are to a computer.
  • Developing: Gives examples of password (know), security key (have), and fingerprint (are).
  • Secure: Explains why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protects accounts even if a password is stolen.
  • Mastering: Designs a 2-factor authentication flow for a simulated school bank or portal.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.01.B.1.2 โ€” Understand authentication factors (something you know, have, are) and multi-factor security.

PYP: Function ยท Multi-layered verification systems strengthen identity protection.

Learner profile: Knowledgeable

Competency tags

  • authentication
  • mfa
  • passwords
  • biometrics
  • 2fa

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "A fingerprint or facial scan is an example of which authentication factor?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

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Locked level

Level 3: Malware & Virus Defense

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 3

Malware & Virus Defense

Identify types of malware (Viruses, Ransomware, Spyware) and how antivirus shields operate.

Learning objective

Students will identify common malware behaviors and explain how real-time antivirus scanners detect suspicious code.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Malware (short for malicious software) includes different types of digital threats. Trojans disguise themselves as fun games, Spyware secretly watches your keystrokes, and Ransomware locks your files. Antivirus shields keep your device clean! In computing, digital health requires proactive defense against malicious code. As you explore the interactive Security Audit Simulator below, focus on how to explain how antivirus software uses malware signature databases and heuristic scans to block threats.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Antivirus Scan Simulation

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 3 Tasks 7, 8 & 9

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Defines computer viruses as bad software that hurts devices.

Developing

Distinguishes between Spyware (stealing data) and Ransomware (locking files for money).

Secure (Goal)

Explains how antivirus software uses malware signature databases and heuristic scans to block threats.

Mastery

Simulates an emergency malware isolation protocol (disconnecting network, running full scan, restoring backups).

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

Why must antivirus signature definitions be updated constantly?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Explains how antivirus software uses malware signature databases and heuristic scans to block threats.

Learning check

Learning Check

Which type of malware locks your personal files and demands payment to give them back?

Choose the malware type:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Ransomware holds files hostage using encryption until a ransom is demanded.Remember: Ransomware locks files and demands money. Always keep backups to stay safe!
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Zoom In

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Zoom In routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Connection (Digital health requires proactive defense against malicious code.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Defines computer viruses as bad software that hurts devices.
  • Developing: Distinguishes between Spyware (stealing data) and Ransomware (locking files for money).
  • Secure: Explains how antivirus software uses malware signature databases and heuristic scans to block threats.
  • Mastering: Simulates an emergency malware isolation protocol (disconnecting network, running full scan, restoring backups).

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.02.B.1.1 โ€” Identify types of malware (Viruses, Ransomware, Spyware) and how antivirus shields operate.

PYP: Connection ยท Digital health requires proactive defense against malicious code.

Learner profile: Thinker

Competency tags

  • malware
  • antivirus
  • ransomware
  • spyware
  • trojans

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "Which type of malware locks your personal files and demands payment to give them back?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 4: Social Engineering & Phishing

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 4

Social Engineering & Phishing

Analyze psychological manipulation tactics used in social engineering and email phishing.

Learning objective

Students will dissect email/message header clues (sender address, artificial urgency, bad links) to spot phishing scams.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Social Engineering doesn't hack computersโ€”it hacks PEOPLE! Attackers use artificial urgency ('Your account will be deleted in 10 minutes!') or excitement ('You won an iPad!') to trick you into clicking malicious links. Always slow down and check the link! In computing, awareness of psychological tricks protects digital communities from deception. As you explore the interactive Security Audit Simulator below, focus on how to list the 4 Red Flags of Social Engineering: Urgent Time Limit, Fear Threats, Free Giveaways, and Mismatched Links.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Phishing Inbox Inspector

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 4 Tasks 10, 11 & 12

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

States that tricky emails can pretend to be from real companies.

Developing

Identifies fake sender domain addresses (e.g. `[email protected]`).

Secure (Goal)

Lists the 4 Red Flags of Social Engineering: Urgent Time Limit, Fear Threats, Free Giveaways, and Mismatched Links.

Mastery

Creates a simulated phishing awareness drill for school staff and students.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

What is the danger of clicking a link in an email when you feel rushed or scared?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Lists the 4 Red Flags of Social Engineering: Urgent Time Limit, Fear Threats, Free Giveaways, and Mismatched Links.

Learning check

Learning Check

An email claims to be from your bank saying 'URGENT: Click here in 5 minutes or your account is locked forever!'. What red flag is this?

Spot the phishing red flag:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Scammers use extreme urgency and panic to stop you from thinking critically.Remember: Panic and extreme urgency are major warning signs of a phishing scam.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: I used to think... Now I think...

Teacher notes: Facilitate the I used to think... Now I think... routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Perspective (Awareness of psychological tricks protects digital communities from deception.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: States that tricky emails can pretend to be from real companies.
  • Developing: Identifies fake sender domain addresses (e.g. `[email protected]`).
  • Secure: Lists the 4 Red Flags of Social Engineering: Urgent Time Limit, Fear Threats, Free Giveaways, and Mismatched Links.
  • Mastering: Creates a simulated phishing awareness drill for school staff and students.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.02.B.1.2 โ€” Analyze psychological manipulation tactics used in social engineering and email phishing.

PYP: Perspective ยท Awareness of psychological tricks protects digital communities from deception.

Learner profile: Reflective

Competency tags

  • social-engineering
  • phishing
  • urgency
  • impersonation

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "An email claims to be from your bank saying 'URGENT: Click here in 5 minutes or your account is locked forever!'. What red flag is this?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

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Locked level

Level 5: Network Defense & Firewalls

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 5

Network Defense & Firewalls

Understand network boundaries, IP addressing, port filtering, and firewall rules.

Learning objective

Students will demonstrate how a firewall inspects incoming and outgoing data packets based on security rules.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

A Firewall is a security guard standing between your home/school network and the big wild internet. It looks at every data 'packet' trying to enter or leave, checking its IP address and port number. If the packet breaks safety rules, the firewall BLOCKS it! In computing, controlled gateways regulate data flow between internal and external networks. As you explore the interactive Security Audit Simulator below, focus on how to construct firewall rules (ALLOW port 443 HTTPS, BLOCK unauthorized ports) in a network simulator.

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Configure Firewall Rules

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 5 Tasks 13, 14 & 15

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Compares a firewall to a school security gatekeeper.

Developing

Identifies that data travels over the internet in tiny chunks called 'packets'.

Secure (Goal)

Constructs firewall rules (ALLOW port 443 HTTPS, BLOCK unauthorized ports) in a network simulator.

Mastery

Explains how VPNs encrypt network traffic across untrusted public Wi-Fi access points.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

What would happen to a school network if the firewall was completely turned off?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Constructs firewall rules (ALLOW port 443 HTTPS, BLOCK unauthorized ports) in a network simulator.

Learning check

Learning Check

What is the primary job of a network Firewall?

Select the correct function:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Firewalls inspect packets and block unauthorized traffic from entering your network.Remember: Firewalls act as network gatekeepers filtering traffic according to rules.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Connect, Extend, Challenge

Teacher notes: Facilitate the Connect, Extend, Challenge routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Function (Controlled gateways regulate data flow between internal and external networks.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Compares a firewall to a school security gatekeeper.
  • Developing: Identifies that data travels over the internet in tiny chunks called 'packets'.
  • Secure: Constructs firewall rules (ALLOW port 443 HTTPS, BLOCK unauthorized ports) in a network simulator.
  • Mastering: Explains how VPNs encrypt network traffic across untrusted public Wi-Fi access points.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.03.B.1.1 โ€” Understand network boundaries, IP addressing, port filtering, and firewall rules.

PYP: Function ยท Controlled gateways regulate data flow between internal and external networks.

Learner profile: Knowledgeable

Competency tags

  • firewalls
  • network-security
  • ip-addresses
  • ports
  • routers

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "What is the primary job of a network Firewall?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 6: Cyber Incident Response & SOC

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 6

Cyber Incident Response & SOC

Formulate an incident response plan and conduct a Security Operations Center (SOC) audit.

Learning objective

Students will execute a 4-stage Cyber Incident Response Plan (Detect -> Contain -> Remediate -> Recover) for a simulated school security event.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

When a cyber incident occurs, speed is everything! Security Operations Centers (SOC) follow 4 critical steps: 1) DETECT the breach, 2) CONTAIN it (disconnect from network), 3) REMEDIATE (remove malware & reset credentials), and 4) RECOVER (restore clean files from backups).

Interactive Simulator Sandbox
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Cybersecurity & Scam Defense Audit Engine

Master Security Audits, Threat Analysis & Defense-in-Depth

DEFENSE POSTURE SCORE:0%
AUDIT REQUIRED
LEVEL 1 โ€ข BRONZEOS6 โ€ข Free Gift Traps

Deceptive Reward Screen Detection

Review the incoming web element. Identify signs of fraudulent "Free Prize" lures before taking action.

INSPECTED TARGET: Free_Robux_Winner_Popup.html
UNVERIFIED
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security Inspector & Triage
THREAT LEVEL: UNRATED
๐Ÿ“‹ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Mapping
CSF v2.0
IDIdentifyAsset & Threat Identification
PRProtectSafeguards & MFA
DEDetectAnomalies & Phishing
RSRespondContainment Protocol
RCRecoverRestoration & Backups
๐Ÿ“ก Live Telemetry & Threat Vector Indicators
LIVE TELEMETRY
Metric / IndicatorObserved ValueRisk Factor
TLS CertificateSelf-Signed / UntrustedHIGH
Sender Domain Entropy0.89 (Spoofed DMARC)CRITICAL
Urgency Emotion VectorActive Countdown DetectedELEVATED
๐Ÿ’ป SOC Incident Event Stream & Telemetry Log
[SOC-INIT] Defense telemetry daemon active. Port 443 TLS 1.3 inspector online.
[AUDIT-READY] Simulator initialized. Select a step to commence security audit.
            

Apply Simulator Skills โ€ข Try it yourself

Execute Incident Response Plan

๐Ÿ”„Direct Simulator Transfer: Step 6 Tasks 16, 17 & 18

Now that you've practiced the virtual mechanics in the simulator above, apply those exact skills in your real computer environment:

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Knows who to report a security problem to at school.

Developing

Explains why disconnecting a compromised device from Wi-Fi immediately stops malware from spreading.

Secure (Goal)

Drafts an Incident Response Flowchart detailing containment, evidence preservation, and password resets.

Mastery

Leads a simulated Security Operations Center (SOC) team drill responding to a ransomware attack.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

Reflect

๐ŸŽฏ

Self-Assessment & Reflection

Why are off-site, offline data backups the ultimate insurance policy against ransomware?

๐ŸŸขSecure Level

Drafts an Incident Response Flowchart detailing containment, evidence preservation, and password resets.

Learning check

Learning Check

You notice your computer screen suddenly showing ransomware pop-ups locking files. What is your IMMEDIATE first action?

Select the first response action:

Answer correctly to complete this strand.

Outstanding! Immediately disconnecting the network contains the malware so it cannot spread to other computers.Remember: Always isolate the device from the network immediately to stop malware spreading.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: 3-2-1 Bridge

Teacher notes: Facilitate the 3-2-1 Bridge routine for 2โ€“3 minutes. Encourage students to connect the prompt to Responsibility (Rapid incident response and collaboration minimize damage from cyber emergencies.).

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Knows who to report a security problem to at school.
  • Developing: Explains why disconnecting a compromised device from Wi-Fi immediately stops malware from spreading.
  • Secure: Drafts an Incident Response Flowchart detailing containment, evidence preservation, and password resets.
  • Mastering: Leads a simulated Security Operations Center (SOC) team drill responding to a ransomware attack.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills & Computational Science

Outcome: CB.03.B.1.2 โ€” Formulate an incident response plan and conduct a Security Operations Center (SOC) audit.

PYP: Responsibility ยท Rapid incident response and collaboration minimize damage from cyber emergencies.

Learner profile: Reflective

Competency tags

  • incident-response
  • soc
  • threat-hunting
  • backups
  • remediation

Gate support

Accessibility alternative: Students may verbally explain or point to the correct answer for "You notice your computer screen suddenly showing ransomware pop-ups locking files. What is your IMMEDIATE first action?" with a teacher or teaching assistant.

Teacher override: allow

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