On the Tech for Business podcast, Collin (Manager of Solutions Engineering at ThreatLocker) and Nate (Director of Cybersecurity at CIT) discuss how to build cybersecurity awareness and secure habits earlier—especially in K–12 and universities—based on Colin’s dark web presentations showing frequent compromises in education. They explore generational shifts as kids adopt internet-connected devices earlier, the need to normalize fundamentals like password management, passphrases, password managers, and MFA/2FA (even for gaming accounts), and the growing importance of social engineering and spotting AI deepfakes. The group debates who should own curriculum standards, notes North Dakota’s requirement for at least one computer science or cybersecurity course to graduate, and considers “digital citizenship,” parent responsibility, and the role of schools, industry, and regulation. They also discuss improving workplace onboarding and training through better access controls and aptitude-based, personalized education.

00:00 Meet the Guests

00:46 Why Youth Cyber Matters

03:53 Campus Reality Check

05:56 Kids Tech Skills Gap

08:33 Gaming as Security Hook

10:51 Curriculum Needs Updating

13:26 Digital Citizenship Debate

15:12 Parents Schools and Equity

17:34 Regulation and Age Checks

21:45 Core Fundamentals to Teach

22:18 Passphrases Basics

22:40 Deepfakes And Social Engineering

24:26 Social Media Risks For Kids

25:53 Spotting Tech Skill Gaps

27:25 Curiosity As A Tech Signal

28:42 Parenting Misinformation Lessons

30:23 Rethinking Security Training

33:17 Tools Over Awareness Alone

36:15 Aptitude Tests And Personalization

40:24 Curriculum And Who Decides

41:08 Big Tech Shaping Education

43:51 Wrap Up And Next Episode