It’s essential that we teach our students about all aspects of computing — not only how to program and develop web applications, or how to use the VBA functionality in MS Excel to create efficient macros, but also how to search, download, and share information safely.

The average student’s concept of computer security probably centers on the idea of creating a strong password or avoiding clicking on links “with viruses.” However, this only scratches the surface of network security, and a student who graduates without fully understanding how to protect himself or herself from phishing attacks, or how to avoid introducing threats into a personal or business network, is a student who does not yet fully understand computers.

As educators, it is our job to make sure we teach all aspects of computing, including security.

To understand network security, start with the network

To help students understand the concept of network security, you have to start by teaching them about networks themselves. Do your students understand what a server is? Have they gone down to visit their school’s server room, or talked to administrative staff about where the school’s files are hosted?

It’s important that your students understand as much as possible about networked computing. Teach them how to set up port forwarding for a virtual private network, or how to configure a proxy server. Make sure your students don’t leave your classroom thinking “cloud computing” means their information is floating above their heads somewhere–teach them that cloud computing simply distributes their information among many networked servers, some of them real and others virtual.

Teach students about network vulnerabilities and safeguards

After your students understand how networks work, it’s time to start talking about vulnerabilities and safeguards. Use real-world hacking cases as examples, such as the recent Icefog hacks. Make sure your students understand the differences between malware, botware, and spyware, and the difference between a phishing attempt and an advanced persistent threat.

Talk about how hackers infiltrate networks, and then talk about network safeguards. With so many people selling quick-fixes for hacked computers, it’s important that your students know who to trust in regards to network security. Teach them about server security programs, and ask them to make a case as to which program is best for your school’s network.

Don’t worry about “creating hackers”

Some educators are naturally worried that by teaching students about network vulnerabilities, they’ll teach students how to hack computers. While some students may in fact use the information you teach as a launchpad for hacking experimentation, the truth is that it takes much more than a high level overview of network security to make a hacker. The kids that are going to grow up to create viruses or exploit vulnerabilities are already doing their own experimentation — and they’re equally as likely to grow up to be security researchers as they are to become black-hat hackers.

Teaching students about network security is, essentially, the same as teaching them about how to fix a car or how to practice safe sex. It’s an important, often overlooked part of their upcoming adult life, and one that they’ll need to understand both for their home computing as well as for their future workplaces and small businesses. An educated student is a successful adult, and a student who knows how to use computers safely and responsibly becomes an adult who keeps both personal and work networks safe.

This post was written by Mark Price