Cyber Risk: New Girl Scout badges focus on cyber crime, not cookie sales
Reuters, June 21, 2017
Reporting by Barbara Goldberg; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Paul Simao
(Reuters) – Cookie sales may take a back seat to fighting identity theft and other computer crime now that Girl Scouts as young as 5 are to be offered the chance to earn their first-ever cyber security badges.
Armed with a needle and thread, U.S. Girl Scouts who master the required skills can attach to their uniform’s sash the first of 18 cyber security badges that will be rolled out in September 2018, Girl Scouts of the USA said in a press release.
The education program, which aims to reach as many as 1.8 million Girl Scouts in kindergarten through sixth grade, is being developed in a partnership between the Girl Scouts and Palo Alto Networks (PANW.N), a security company.
The goal is to prevent cyber attacks and restore trust in digital operations by training “tomorrow’s diverse and innovative team of problem solvers equipped to counter emerging cyber threats,” Mark McLaughlin, chief executive officer of Palo Alto Networks, said in the release.
The move to instill “a valuable 21st century skill set” in girls best known for cookie sales is also aimed at eliminating barriers to cyber security employment, such as gender and geography, said Sylvia Acevedo, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Further Reading
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Palo Alto Networks and Girl Scouts of the USA Announce Collaboration for First-Ever National Cybersecurity Badges: With the introduction of 18 new Cybersecurity badges, Girls Scouts of all ages will be able to explore opportunities in STEM while developing problem-solving and leadership skills. (Press Release: Girl Scouts of the USA & Palo Alto Networks)
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Thirty New Girl Scout Badges Now Available to Power Girl Leadership in Key 21st Century Issues (Girl Scouts of the USA)
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What’s New: Journeys and badges in cybersecurity, eco-camping, robotics, college prep, space science, and more! (Girls Scouts of the USA)
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Award and Badge Explorer (Girl Scouts of the USA)
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Search Girl Scouts website for Cybersecurity badges (Girl Scouts of the USA)
