Williams Racing has teamed up with cyber firms Keeper Security and KnowBe4 to create a global education program focused on online safety for schools. The initiative, named Flex Your Cyber, aims to empower children aged five to 14 and kicks off in the US, with plans to expand to the UK soon. It has the support of the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
Darren Guccione, the CEO of Keeper Security, highlights the urgent need for cybersecurity education in schools, noting that cyber criminals increasingly target the education sector. It’s crucial to bridge the awareness gap not just for educators but for children too. Guccione says, “Our goal is to empower the entire educational community with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.” He emphasizes that starting education early is key to ensuring future generations are better prepared against cyber threats.
Flex Your Cyber will develop age-specific content for parents, teachers, and students. For the youngest learners, aged up to eight or nine, the program will include videos, games, and activity books that introduce online safety basics. Here’s where Williams Racing gets involved: Alex Albon, the team’s lead driver, features in a video where he rides a colorful bike across the internet, tackling cartoon cyber threats.
For older kids, Flex Your Cyber offers more engaging activities and challenges related to digital security. Albon navigates through obstacles like “privacy potholes” and “malware mile,” all set in a retro video game style. Educators won’t be left out; they’ll get access to lesson plans and resources to incorporate security education in their classes, while administrative staff will receive guidance on best practices for creating secure digital environments in schools.
The campaign website also hosts extra resources, including a fun game of cyber charades starring Albon and team principal James Vowles. James Southerland, head of partnerships at Williams Racing, stresses the importance of good cybersecurity habits, comparing them to road safety measures. He is excited to support Keeper Security in this important initiative.
Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4, adds that the Flex Your Cyber program is vital for protecting children in today’s digital world. He asserts that equipping students, parents, and educators with straightforward cyber security education fosters a culture of resilience, essential for tackling the complex threats we face today.