K-12 and Beyond
Educational Resources for Elementary School Middle School High School Universities
The UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance & Security (CIAS) is committed to creating a culture of cybersecurity through a comprehensive K-12 Cybersecurity Program.
- The CIAS conducts research into effective ways to introduce students to cybersecurity principles through educational gaming.
- The program targets four demographics: elementary school, middle school, high school and colleges/universities.
- The CIAS K-12 Program currently consists of the following educational tools:
Cyber Threat Guardian
Designed for K-2 players, Cyber Threat Guardian mirrors other popular card games for young learners with its simple design and reinforced concepts. Through fun, repetitive play, students will learn to stay safe on mobile devices, game consoles and other devices.
Cyber Threat Protector
A multi-player card game for students in third through fifth grades, Cyber Threat Protector introduces players to essential cybersecurity vocabulary and defense strategies. Become immersed in the world of network defense and cyber-attacks with this easy-to-play game.
Cyber Threat Defender
Designed for grades 6 and up, Cyber Threat Defender: The Collectible Card Game is available as both a collectible card game and electronic download to provide a basic awareness of a number of security issues. The card game, available in English and Spanish, is a fun, multi-player game in which players build their networks while defending against realistic cyber-attacks.
The CyBear™ Family
Get to know the cybersecurity mascots in the CyBear family! The CyBear family introduces young learners to cybersecurity words and phrases, guides them through problem solving with puzzles, and engages them with interactive activities through a variety of free activity sheets and games. Together, we can create a culture of cybersecurity!
Project Cipher
Used to introduce cryptography concepts, Project Cipher is a free, electronic game that teaches techniques for encoding and decoding ciphers to either hide or discover information. While designed as a teaching tool for 4th-6th grade students, Project Cipher is a great introduction to cryptography for all ages.
Pyramid of Knowledge
A free testing tool that provides educators with the ability to build their own quizzes, Pyramid of Knowledge is a creative way to introduce students to cybersecurity principles through game play with its "Pyramid" quiz interface. This platform is designed to complement an educator's STEM programs.
Help support teachers in your area by sponsoring a classroom box of the K-12 Cyber Threat Games!
