As technology has become an integral part of the learning
environment, empowering robust cybersecurity practices in K-8 education is now
essential. In response to this urgent need,
Keeper Security -
with support from the
National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA),
KnowBe4 and
Williams Racing Formula
1 team - is thrilled to announce the launch of
Flex Your Cyber,
an international educational public service initiative providing resources and
videos starring F1 driver Alex Albon.
With cybercriminals launching increasingly
sophisticated attacks every school day,
on average, it has become crucial to teach cybersecurity hygiene earlier than
ever. However, recent research from Keeper reveals that only 14% of schools
mandate security awareness training, and a mere 21% provide guidance on secure
password management. This gap poses significant risks, as widespread issues
such as weak passwords and password reuse threaten students' digital security
and safety.
Flex Your Cyber equips students, parents, teachers
and administrators with the essential tools and knowledge they need to stay
safe online. The initiative provides tailored content for each audience, from
engaging videos and interactive games for young learners to practical tips and
cybersecurity solutions for parents, educators and administrators.
"Our goal is to empower the entire educational
community with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from today's cyber
threats," said Darren Guccione, CEO and
Co-founder of Keeper Security. "Starting this education at a young age
will help ensure future generations are protected against the cyber threats
plaguing our digital landscape."
The Flex Your Cyber website is organized into
dedicated pages for each target audience, ensuring that everyone in the
educational community has access to age-appropriate, actionable information:
- Little
Kids (K-3rd Grade): Engaging videos, games, an activity book and
infographic designed to introduce young learners to the basics of online
safety.
- Big
Kids (4th-8th Grade): Interactive games, original videos, cyber challenges
and resources that delve deeper into digital security concepts for
preteens.
- Parents:
Guidance, research and practical tips to help their family navigate the
online world safely and practice good cybersecurity habits at home.
- Teachers:
Tools, engaging resources and grade-specific lesson plans to integrate
cybersecurity education into the classroom.
- Administrators
(K-12): Insights, best practices and cybersecurity solutions
for developing a secure digital environment within schools.
Keeper is proud to collaborate with Williams Racing
driver Alex Albon for the Flex Your
Cyber initiative. The Thai and British racing driver pilots the FW46 for
Williams Racing, with more than 100 F1 races and multiple podium appearances
over the course of his career. Albon brings the initiative to life with two
original videos aimed at younger audiences. In the video for "Little
Kids," Albon embarks on a whimsical journey through "The
Internet" on a brightly colored bicycle, battling cartoon cyber threats in
full F1 racing gear. Meanwhile, the "Big Kids" video immerses viewers
in a retro 8-bit racing video game, where Albon dodges cyber dangers like
"Privacy Potholes" and navigates the "Malware Mile."
"With cybercriminals targeting schools with
increasing frequency, it's more important now than ever to arm students,
parents and educators alike with the right tools to protect themselves,"
said Guccione. "We are proud to partner the National Cybersecurity
Alliance, KnowBe4, Williams Racing and Alex Albon to
drive awareness and build a culture of cybersecurity from an early age."
"Equipping children with cybersecurity
knowledge from an early age is essential in today's digital-first world,"
said Lisa Plaggemeier, Executive Director of
the National Cybersecurity Alliance. "By encouraging safe digital
practices and providing families and educators with the necessary resources, we
can build a more secure online experience. The Flex Your Cyber initiative meets
a critical need by empowering the entire education community-students, parents,
teachers and administrators-to understand and combat cyber threats in ways that
are both engaging and accessible. Building this foundation now not only helps
protect young people today but also prepares them to be responsible digital
citizens well into the future."
"Keeper Security's Flex Your Cyber initiative
is a crucial step in safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world,
cultivating a security culture in our future workforce from the ground
up," said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO at
KnowBe4. "By equipping students, parents and educators with accessible
cybersecurity education and resources, Flex Your Cyber will foster a robust
culture of cyber resilience-essential for navigating today's complex threat
landscape. We are proud to support this impactful program, which promises to
have a lasting, positive impact on the education community and beyond."
"Cybersecurity is critical in all walks of
life, and particularly in Formula 1, where protecting our data is vital to
succeeding on track," said James Southerland,
Head of Partnerships at Williams Racing. "Forming good cybersecurity
habits at a young age is becoming as important as learning to cross the road
safely or wear a seatbelt and we are delighted to be supporting our partner
Keeper Security with this campaign."
Flex Your Cyber kicked off with an interactive
launch event, co-hosted by the initiative's supporting organizations and held
at Busboys and Poets in Arlington, Virginia.
The event featured a video premiere and games for students, teachers and
administrators. View this album for
downloadable photos from the event.
The Flex Your Cyber website is now live and
accessible to everyone. All members of the educational community are invited to
explore the available resources and join Keeper in its mission to empower the
educational community with the essential knowledge and tools to promote safer
online behaviors and protect sensitive information. New resources will be added
regularly. Learn more and experience the fun at FlexYourCyber.com.