Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, computer use
Best For: Scouts interested in technology, online safety, computers
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Cybersecurity merit badge helps you understand how technology affects your daily life. You use the internet for school, games, communication, and entertainment. Phones, computers, and smart devices are all connected in some way. As you work on this merit badge, you learn how to stay safe while using these tools and how to make good choices online.

Download an overview of the Cybersecurity Merit Badge

While earning the Cybersecurity merit badge, you learn how to protect your personal information and recognize online dangers. You explore topics like passwords, scams, viruses, and safe online behavior. These are skills you can use at home, at school, and in Scouting. Knowing how to stay safe online can help you avoid problems now and later in life.

The Cybersecurity merit badge can also help you discover new interests for the future. Many careers involve computers, networks, and online security. By learning about cybersecurity, you gain useful skills and see how technology professionals help protect people and information. This merit badge encourages you to be responsible, careful, and prepared in a connected world.

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Cybersecurity Merit Badge Requirements

Cybersecurity Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

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Download an overview of the Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Help with Answers for Cybersecurity Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

Requirement 1: Safety
Requirement 2: Ethics
Requirement 3: Fundamentals
Requirement 4: Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
Requirement 5: Cyber Defenses
Requirement 6: Cryptography
Requirement 7: Connected Devices and Internet of Things (IoT)
Requirement 8: Cybersecurity Activities
Requirement 9: Careers
More Resources

Requirement 1: Safety

Do the following:

View the Personal Safety Awareness “Digital Safety” video (with your parent or guardian’s permission).
Explain to your counselor how to protect your digital footprint, such as while using social media, mobile device apps, and online gaming. Show how to set privacy settings to protect your personal information, including photos of yourself or your location.
Discuss first aid and prevention for potential injuries, such as eye strain, repetitive injuries, and handling electronics devices, that could occur during repeated use. Discuss how to keep yourself physically safe while using a mobile device (for example while walking or biking).

Requirement 1a: Digital Safety Video

What You Need To Do

Watch the Personal Safety Awareness “Digital Safety” video with permission from your parent or guardian. Pay attention to ways to stay safe while using the internet, apps, games, and social media.

Helpful Tips

Watch the video in a quiet place without distractions.
Keep a notebook nearby for important ideas.
Pay attention to examples about online safety.
Think about how the information fits your daily life.
Talk with your parent or guardian after the video.
Write down a few safety habits you want to follow.
Review parts of the video again if needed.

Resources

Personal Safety Awareness “Digital Safety” (video)

Leader Tips

Help Scouts find the correct video before the meeting.
Encourage parents to watch along with their Scout.
Ask simple questions after the video to check understanding.
Give Scouts time to talk about online safety habits.

Requirement 1b: Protecting Your Digital Footprint

What You Need To Do

Learn how to protect your digital footprint while using social media, apps, and online games. Show how privacy settings can protect your personal information and location.

Helpful Tips

Check the privacy settings on your favorite apps.
Set accounts to private when possible.
Turn off location sharing unless needed.
Avoid posting your full name, school, or address.
Think before posting photos online.
Use strong passwords for your accounts.
Ask an adult for help with privacy settings.
Review app permissions on your devices.

Resources

Protecting Your Digital Footprint – Keys to Cybersecurity (website)

Leader Tips

Demonstrate privacy settings on a sample app or device.
Encourage Scouts to check their own settings at home.
Remind Scouts to protect photos and location details.
Keep discussions focused on safe online habits.

Requirement 1c: Staying Physically Safe With Technology

What You Need To Do

Learn how to prevent injuries from using electronic devices for long periods. Discuss safe ways to use mobile devices while walking, biking, or moving around.

Helpful Tips

Take breaks from screens every 20 minutes.
Look away from the screen to rest your eyes.
Sit up straight while using devices.
Hold phones closer to eye level.
Stretch your hands and wrists often.
Keep volume levels safe when using headphones.
Put your phone away while crossing streets.
Stop using devices while biking or walking in traffic.
Rest sore muscles and eyes when needed.

Resources

Leader Tips

Demonstrate good posture during meetings.
Remind Scouts to take short screen breaks.
Discuss safe device habits during outdoor activities.
Encourage Scouts to stay aware of their surroundings.

Requirement 2: Ethics

Do the following:

Relate three points of the Scout law to things people do on the internet or with computers, phones, and other connected electronic devices.
Discuss with your counselor examples of ethical and unethical behavior in cyberspace. Include how to act responsibly when you encounter situations such as: coming across an unattended or unlocked computer or mobile device; observing someone type their password or seeing it written down near a computer; or discovering a website that is not properly secured. Explain why these situations require good judgement, and how the Scout Law and personal values should guide your actions.

Requirement 2a: Scout Law and Technology

What You Need To Do

Choose three points of the Scout Law and connect them to online activities and technology use. Think about how Scouts should act when using computers, phones, gaming systems, and the internet.

Helpful Tips

Pick points of the Scout Law you use every day online.
Trustworthy fits protecting passwords and accounts.
Courteous fits using kind words in messages and comments.
Obedient fits following internet rules at home and school.
Helpful fits warning friends about scams or unsafe links.
Loyal fits protecting a friend’s private information.
Friendly fits welcoming others in online games or chats.
Think about real situations from your own experiences.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to use real online examples.
Ask open questions about daily technology habits.
Help Scouts connect values to simple actions.
Keep the discussion focused on personal responsibility.

Requirement 2b: Ethical Choices in Cyberspace

What You Need To Do

Discuss examples of good and bad behavior online. Talk about situations that require honesty, respect, and good judgment when using technology.

Helpful Tips

Leave unlocked devices alone unless you have permission.
Return lost phones or computers to the owner.
Never use another person’s password.
Tell someone if their password is easy to see.
Avoid websites that seem unsafe or unsecured.
Report security problems to a trusted adult when needed.
Think about how your actions affect other people.
Use the Scout Law to guide online decisions.
Stop and think before clicking or sharing information.

Resources

Understanding Cybersecurity Ethics: Navigating Privacy and Security Challenges (website)

Leader Tips

Use simple examples Scouts might really encounter.
Guide Scouts through possible choices and outcomes.
Encourage respectful discussion without embarrassing anyone.
Reinforce honesty and responsibility during conversations.

Requirement 3: Fundamentals

Do the following and discuss each with your counselor:

Describe three types of computer systems that need protecting and explain why.
Explain the “C.I.A. Triad”—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—and why these three principles are fundamental to cybersecurity.

Requirement 3a: Systems That Need Protection

What You Need To Do

Describe three kinds of computer systems that need cybersecurity protection. Explain why each system is important and what could happen if it is attacked or damaged.

Helpful Tips

Think about devices you use every day at home or school.
Personal phones and laptops store private information.
Business networks handle customer records and money.
Hospitals and power systems support entire communities.
Consider how people depend on these systems every day.
Think about problems caused by stolen or damaged data.
Include examples of ways systems can be protected.
Use simple examples from real life when discussing systems.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to use familiar examples first.
Help Scouts connect cybersecurity to daily life.
Discuss how different systems affect communities.
Keep explanations simple and practical.

Requirement 3b: The C.I.A. Triad

What You Need To Do

Learn the three parts of the C.I.A. Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Discuss why these ideas are important for keeping information and systems secure.

Helpful Tips

Confidentiality keeps information private.
Strong passwords help protect confidentiality.
Integrity keeps information accurate and trustworthy.
Backups and security controls help protect integrity.
Availability keeps systems working when people need them.
Hospitals, banks, and schools need reliable access to data.
Think about what happens if one part of the triad fails.
Use simple examples to remember each principle.
Practice explaining the terms in your own words.

Resources

Leader Tips

Use everyday examples Scouts can easily recognize.
Compare the three principles to real situations.
Encourage Scouts to explain ideas using simple language.
Reinforce how all three principles work together.

Requirement 4: Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks

Do the following and discuss each with your counselor:

Define the terms vulnerability, threat, and exploit, and give an example of each that might apply to a website or software product you use.
Pick one type of malware (such as virus, worm, Trojan, backdoor, spyware, or ransomware) and find out how it works. Explain what it does and the harm it can cause.
Identify two risks of using public Wi-Fi and describe how to reduce or avoid those risks.
Describe what spoofing and phishing are, and how to recognize a message or website that might be trying to trick you. Explain what steps you should take to protect yourself and others if you come across one.
Current Events. Do ONE of the following:
1. Read an article or a news report about a recent cybersecurity incident, such as a data breach or malware infection. Explain how the incident happened (to the best of your ability based on the information available) and what the consequences are or might be to the victim.
2. With your parent or guardian’s permission, watch a movie or read a book in which cybersecurity plays a significant role. Discuss how cybersecurity topics were depicted and how realistic you think it was.
Create a list of what is part of your cyber attack surface including all the ways someone could try to access your personal information or devices—such as online accounts, apps, or home networks.

Requirement 4a: Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Exploits

What You Need To Do

Learn the difference between a vulnerability, a threat, and an exploit. Give an example of each using a website, app, or software product you use.

Helpful Tips

A vulnerability is a weakness in a system.
Weak passwords are common vulnerabilities.
A threat is something that could cause harm.
Hackers and malware are common threats.
An exploit is the attack itself.
Think about games, apps, or websites you use often.
Use simple examples from everyday technology.
Practice explaining the three terms in order.
Think about how fixing vulnerabilities lowers risk.

Resources

Leader Tips

Use real-world examples Scouts already understand.
Help Scouts separate the three terms clearly.
Encourage simple explanations instead of technical details.
Discuss ways vulnerabilities can be reduced.

Requirement 4b: Understanding Malware

What You Need To Do

Choose one kind of malware and learn how it works. Explain what it does and how it can harm computers, devices, or people.

Helpful Tips

Pick one malware type like ransomware or spyware.
Learn how the malware spreads from one device to another.
Find out what damage it causes.
Think about how users might accidentally install it.
Safe downloads help prevent malware infections.
Software updates help block many attacks.
Antivirus tools can help detect malware.
Use examples from news stories or online safety lessons.
Practice describing the malware in simple words.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to focus on one malware type.
Help Scouts connect malware to real-world problems.
Remind Scouts to avoid unsafe downloads and links.
Keep discussions age-appropriate and practical.

Requirement 4c: Risks of Public Wi-Fi

What You Need To Do

Identify two dangers of using public Wi-Fi and explain how to stay safer while using it.

Helpful Tips

Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure.
Hackers may try to steal passwords or personal information.
Fake Wi-Fi networks can trick people into connecting.
Avoid banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi.
Check for HTTPS before entering information on websites.
Use strong passwords on all accounts.
A VPN can make public Wi-Fi safer.
Mobile data is often safer than unknown Wi-Fi networks.
Disconnect from networks you no longer need.

Resources

Leader Tips

Use examples from coffee shops, airports, or libraries.
Explain why convenience can create risks.
Encourage Scouts to practice safe browsing habits.
Discuss ways to recognize trusted networks.

Requirement 4d: Spoofing and Phishing

What You Need To Do

Learn what spoofing and phishing are and how scammers trick people online. Discuss how to recognize suspicious messages or websites and how to respond safely.

Helpful Tips

Phishing messages often create panic or urgency.
Spoofing makes fake messages look real.
Watch for strange email addresses or website links.
Spelling mistakes can be warning signs.
Never click suspicious links or attachments.
Do not share passwords through email or text.
Contact companies through official websites if unsure.
Delete suspicious messages instead of replying.
Warn family or friends about scams you find.

Resources

Leader Tips

Show examples of safe and unsafe messages.
Encourage Scouts to slow down before clicking links.
Discuss how scammers use fear and urgency.
Reinforce safe reporting habits.

Requirement 4e: Current Events or Cybersecurity in Media

What You Need To Do

Choose one option. Read about a recent cybersecurity incident, or watch a movie or read a book about cybersecurity. Discuss what happened and what you learned.

Helpful Tips

Pick a topic that interests you.
Use reliable news or educational sources.
Focus on how the incident or story started.
Think about the effects on people or businesses.
Notice if passwords, phishing, or malware were involved.
Compare movie hacking to real cybersecurity practices.
Write down important details while reading or watching.
Share your opinion about what seemed realistic.
Practice explaining the event in simple language.

Suggested Books

The Cuckoo’s Egg by Cliff Stoll – A true story about catching a hacker.
Tom Clancy’s Net Force Explorers (series) – Teens solving cyber mysteries.
The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming – Teens who helped break wartime codes.
Cyber-Thief Showdown (Geronimo Stilton #68) – A children’s mystery about hacking.
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow – Teens use tech to resist surveillance.
Cyberama – A children’s book on cybersecurity.
The Renegade Reporters by Elissa Brent Weissman – Young reporters uncover tech secrets.
The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp – A graphic novel about hacking and resilience.
Hacker by Malorie Blackman – A mystery about computer crime.
City Spies series by James Ponti – Young spies use tech skills in global missions.

Suggested Movies

WarGames (1983, PG) – A teen nearly starts a nuclear war by accident.
Tron (1982, PG) – A programmer is pulled into a digital world.
Code 2600 (2011, PG) – A documentary about hacking and cyber culture.
Superman III (1983, PG) – Features computer fraud as part of the plot.
Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (2001, Not Rated) – The gang is pulled into a computer game.
Hackers (1995, PG-13) – Teens uncover a cybercrime.
The Net (1995, PG-13) – A woman’s life is stolen through hacking.
Sneakers (1992, PG-13) – Experts test security but find danger.
Mission: Impossible (1996, PG-13) – Includes breaking into secure systems.
Breach (2007, PG-13) – Based on a true story of a spy inside the FBI.
Skyfall (2012, PG-13) – James Bond faces cyberterrorism.
The Imitation Game (2014, PG-13) – Codebreaking during World War II.
Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013, Not Rated) – Documentary on privacy and data.
Cyber War (2016, Not Rated) – Looks at cyber conflict in the modern world.
Zero Days (2016, PG-13) – Documentary about cyber weapons.

Resources

Leader Tips

Help Scouts find age-appropriate sources or movies.
Encourage discussion instead of memorizing details.
Guide Scouts toward understanding consequences and lessons.
Focus on critical thinking and safe habits.

Requirement 4f: Your Cyber Attack Surface

What You Need To Do

Make a list of all the ways someone could try to access your information or devices. Include accounts, apps, devices, and home networks.

Helpful Tips

Start with your email and social media accounts.
Include phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming systems.
Think about apps that store personal information.
Add your home Wi-Fi network to the list.
Smart TVs and smart speakers are connected devices too.
Weak passwords increase your attack surface.
Public Wi-Fi can add extra risk.
Review app permissions on your devices.
Think about habits that could create security problems.

Resources

What Is an Attack Surface? | Cybersecurity Explained in 60 Seconds (video)

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to think broadly about connected devices.
Discuss how attack surfaces grow over time.
Help Scouts identify simple ways to lower risks.
Reinforce the value of safe digital habits.

Requirement 5: Cyber Defenses

Do the following:

Describe three technologies that are used to defend a computer or network, such as access controls, antivirus software, firewall, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and Virtual Private Network.
Installing updates. Do the following:
1. Explain to your counselor the importance of installing the latest updates on your computer, why they are needed, and what kinds of problems they can prevent.
2. Demonstrate to your counselor how to check for, download, and install the latest updates for your computer or mobile device, or another computer you have permission to use (if you are unable to do this on your computer, you may use an online guide with screenshots to demonstrate this). Show your counselor how to verify that your computer or mobile device is up-to-date.
System security. With your parent or guardian’s permission, do THREE of the following using a computer or mobile device, and discuss with your counselor:
1. Describe what makes a good password and why. Set or change an account password to one that is “strong.”
2. Describe multi-factor authentication (MFA) and how it can be used to improve security. Demonstrate how to use an authenticator app or other MFA function.
3. Install and set up a password manager. Demonstrate how it works to your counselor.
4. Run a virus scan. Show the results to your counselor.
5. Using a command line or other built-in tool, see what programs or processes are running on your computer. Discuss with your counselor what you see and what surprises you.
6. Use a command line interface to view your computer’s open network connections. Discuss the results with your counselor.
7. Demonstrate how to back up your data from a mobile device to a local computer or the cloud.
8. Research best practices for protecting a home computer or network, and make a checklist of FIVE things you and your family can do to stay secure.
9. Identify one or more other vulnerabilities on your home computer or network or another computer or network you have permission to use and discuss with your counselor. With permission from the system owner, take the necessary actions to fix it.

Requirement 5a: Cyber Defense Tools

What You Need To Do

Learn about three tools or technologies that help protect computers and networks. Explain what each one does and how it improves security.

Helpful Tips

Antivirus software helps detect and remove malware.
Firewalls help block unwanted network traffic.
VPNs protect information on internet connections.
Access controls limit who can use systems or files.
Intrusion detection systems watch for suspicious activity.
Think about which tools you already use at home or school.
Use simple examples for each technology.
Compare the tools to locks, alarms, or guards.
Practice explaining how each tool protects devices.

Resources

How Not To Get Hacked: Install Updates (Code.org) (video)
Update Software | CISA (website)

Leader Tips

Use common examples Scouts already recognize.
Encourage simple explanations instead of technical details.
Discuss how different tools work together.
Reinforce that cybersecurity uses many layers of defense.

Requirement 5b: Installing Updates

What You Need To Do

Learn why software and device updates are important. Show how to check for updates, install them, and confirm that a device is fully updated.

Helpful Tips

Updates often fix security problems.
Old software can leave devices open to attacks.
Turn on automatic updates when possible.
Check for updates regularly on phones and computers.
Restart devices after installing updates if needed.
Read update messages carefully before installing.
Verify the device says it is up to date.
Ask permission before updating shared devices.
Practice checking for updates on different devices.

Resources

Leader Tips

Demonstrate updates on a device if possible.
Encourage Scouts to practice safe update habits at home.
Discuss how updates protect against new threats.
Remind Scouts to use trusted update sources only.

Requirement 5c: Improving System Security

What You Need To Do

Complete three activities that improve computer or device security. Discuss what you did and what you learned from each activity.

Helpful Tips

Strong passwords use letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid using birthdays or simple words in passwords.
MFA adds another layer of protection to accounts.
Password managers help store passwords safely.
Virus scans can detect harmful software.
Backups protect files if a device fails or is attacked.
Look at running programs to learn what your device is doing.
Review open network connections carefully.
Create a checklist for safe home computer habits.
Ask permission before changing settings on shared devices.

Resources

Leader Tips

Let Scouts practice using real tools when possible.
Encourage hands-on learning instead of lectures.
Focus on practical habits Scouts can use every day.
Reinforce safe and responsible device use.

Requirement 6: Cryptography

Do the following:

Research and explain to your counselor three situations where encryption is used in cybersecurity. For each situation, describe what kind of encryption is used and why it is important.
Show how you can know if your connection to a website is encrypted.
Do ONE of the following:
1. Create your own encryption code, such as a substitution cipher or code book, and demonstrate using it to encrypt and decrypt a message. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of your code.
2. Download and set up an app (from an official app store) that uses end-to-end encryption. Explain to your counselor what this means, how it works, and why it is more secure than other forms of communication (e.g. SMS).
3. Use a hashing tool (for example, using SHA or MD5) to create a checksum for a file, document, or piece of text. Have a fellow Scout or your counselor make a change to it, then recreate the checksum and compare the new checksum to the original as a demonstration of file integrity checking.
4. Create your own PGP (pretty good privacy) email key. Share your public key with others (and your counselor). Also, get their public keys and add them to your computer’s key ring. Send a message that has been digitally encrypted.

Requirement 6a: Encryption in Cybersecurity

What You Need To Do

Research three ways encryption is used to protect information. Explain what kind of encryption is used and why it is important in each situation.

Helpful Tips

Online shopping websites use encryption to protect payments.
Messaging apps use encryption to protect conversations.
Phones and laptops use encryption to protect stored files.
HTTPS helps secure website connections.
End-to-end encryption protects messages from outsiders.
Device encryption helps if a device is lost or stolen.
Think about where you use encryption every day.
Use simple examples from daily life.
Practice explaining why privacy matters online.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to choose familiar examples.
Discuss how encryption protects personal information.
Help Scouts connect encryption to real-world activities.
Keep explanations focused on practical uses.

Requirement 6b: Checking for Encrypted Websites

What You Need To Do

Learn how to tell if a website connection is encrypted. Show how to check for HTTPS and other signs of a secure connection.

Helpful Tips

Look for https:// at the beginning of the web address.
The “s” in HTTPS means secure.
Many browsers show a padlock icon for secure sites.
Click the padlock to see security details.
Avoid entering passwords on sites marked “Not Secure.”
Check website addresses carefully for misspellings.
Fake websites can still use HTTPS.
Use trusted websites for shopping or banking.
Practice checking website security on different devices.

Resources

Leader Tips

Demonstrate HTTPS and padlock icons in a browser.
Remind Scouts that HTTPS does not guarantee a safe website.
Encourage careful checking of web addresses.
Reinforce safe browsing habits.

Requirement 6c: Encryption Activity

What You Need To Do

Choose one cryptography activity, such as creating a code, using an encrypted app, testing file hashes, or using PGP email encryption. Demonstrate your activity and discuss what you learned.

Helpful Tips

Pick an activity that matches your interests and skills.
Simple substitution ciphers are good beginner projects.
End-to-end encrypted apps protect private conversations.
Hashing tools can show when files change.
PGP uses public and private keys for secure email.
Download apps only from official app stores.
Keep private keys and passwords secure.
Practice encrypting and decrypting before meeting your counselor.
Think about the strengths and weaknesses of your activity.
Use simple examples to explain how the technology works.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage hands-on practice during the activity.
Help Scouts choose activities that fit their experience level.
Focus on learning concepts instead of technical perfection.
Reinforce safe and responsible use of encryption tools.

Requirement 7: Connected Devices and Internet of Things (IoT)

Describe to your counselor four electronic devices you encounter that could be connected to the internet, why this connectivity can be useful, what risks are posed by the connectivity, and how they could be protected.

Requirement 7: Connected Devices and IoT

What You Need To Do

Describe four internet-connected devices you use or see often. Explain why the connection is useful, what risks it creates, and how the device can be protected.

Helpful Tips

Smart TVs connect to streaming services and apps.
Doorbell cameras let people monitor their homes remotely.
Fitness trackers collect health and activity information.
Smart speakers answer questions and control devices.
Weak passwords can make devices easier to hack.
Software updates help fix security problems.
Secure Wi-Fi helps protect connected devices.
Change default usernames and passwords on devices.
Think about what personal information each device collects.
Consider how one unsafe device could affect a whole network.

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to use examples from home or school.
Discuss both convenience and security risks.
Help Scouts think about simple ways to protect devices.
Reinforce the importance of strong passwords and updates.

Requirement 8: Cybersecurity Activities

Do ONE of the following:

Learn about a cybersecurity competition, camp, or other activity you could participate in (either now or in the future). Share what you learned with your counselor, including the type of activity, time commitment, and age of participants.
Participate in a cybersecurity competition with members of your troop, school, or some other group approved by your counselor. Either design your own competition or use an existing platform.
Give a presentation to your patrol, troop, or another group approved by your counselor, on a cybersecurity topic of your choice. Your presentation must include at least one demonstration and/or hands-on activity.

Requirement 8a: Cybersecurity Competitions and Camps

What You Need To Do

Learn about a cybersecurity competition, camp, or activity for students. Share details about the activity, who can participate, and how much time it requires.

Helpful Tips

Look for activities designed for middle or high school students.
CyberPatriot is a popular team cybersecurity competition.
picoCTF uses puzzles and online challenges.
Some camps focus on hands-on learning and teamwork.
Check age requirements before signing up.
Find out if the activity is online or in person.
Learn how long the activity lasts.
Ask if beginners are welcome.
Think about which activity sounds most interesting to you.
Write down important facts before talking with your counselor.

Resources

Leader Tips

Suggest beginner-friendly programs for younger Scouts.
Encourage Scouts to explore different types of activities.
Discuss teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Help Scouts find reliable information about programs.

Requirement 8b: Participate in a Cybersecurity Competition

What You Need To Do

Take part in a cybersecurity competition with a troop, school, or approved group. You may join an existing competition or create your own activity.

Helpful Tips

Work together as a team during the competition.
Read instructions carefully before starting challenges.
Divide tasks among team members when possible.
Stay calm when problems are difficult.
Practice cybersecurity skills before the event.
Use safe and approved tools only.
Learn from mistakes during the competition.
Keep notes about what your team did well.
Ask questions if rules are unclear.
Focus on teamwork and learning, not just winning.

Resources

Leader Tips

Choose activities that match the Scouts’ skill levels.
Encourage teamwork and communication.
Reinforce safe and ethical behavior during competitions.
Focus on learning experiences instead of scores.

Requirement 8c: Cybersecurity Presentation

What You Need To Do

Give a presentation about a cybersecurity topic to a troop, patrol, or another approved group. Include a demonstration or hands-on activity.

Helpful Tips

Choose a topic you understand well.
Use simple words and clear examples.
Practice your presentation before sharing it.
Keep slides or posters easy to read.
Include an activity the audience can try.
Demonstrate something like password strength or phishing clues.
Ask questions to keep the audience involved.
Speak clearly and slowly during the presentation.
Test any technology before the meeting starts.
End with simple online safety reminders.

Leader Tips

Help Scouts choose practical and age-appropriate topics.
Encourage demonstrations and audience participation.
Give Scouts time to practice before presenting.
Reinforce confidence and communication skills.

Requirement 9: Careers

Do ONE of the following:

Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
Visit a business or organization that does work in cybersecurity. Find out about different work roles, what they do, and how they acquired their knowledge through college degrees or certifications. Share what you learned with your counselor.

Careers That Protect the Digital World

What You Need To Do

Research cybersecurity careers and learn what training, education, or certifications are needed. Choose one career to study in more detail and discuss what you learned with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

Look at several different cybersecurity jobs before choosing one.
Research daily job duties and work environments.
Find out if the career needs a college degree or certifications.
Look up starting salaries and job growth.
Learn what skills are important for the career.
Check if teamwork or communication skills are important.
Think about whether the job sounds interesting to you.
Take notes about training costs and time requirements.
Practice explaining why the career matters.

Possible Careers

Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
Ethical Hacker
Cryptographer
Cybersecurity Engineer
Incident Responder
Digital Forensic Specialist
Network Security Administrator
Malware Analyst
Security Software Developer
Military Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cloud Security Specialist
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Information Security Manager

Resources

Leader Tips

Encourage Scouts to explore several career paths.
Help Scouts find reliable career information sources.
Discuss how cybersecurity jobs help protect people and businesses.
Reinforce the value of communication and teamwork skills.

Requirement 9b: Visiting a Cybersecurity Workplace

What You Need To Do

Visit a business or organization that works in cybersecurity. Learn about different job roles, training paths, and the skills employees use every day.

Helpful Tips

Prepare questions before the visit.
Ask about daily job responsibilities.
Learn what education or certifications workers completed.
Observe how teams work together.
Ask what skills are most important for success.
Find out what types of problems the organization handles.
Take notes during the visit if allowed.
Think about which roles seem most interesting.
Thank the professionals for sharing their experiences.

Leader Tips

Help Scouts prepare respectful and thoughtful questions.
Encourage Scouts to listen carefully during the visit.
Discuss different career paths after the activity.
Reinforce professional behavior and curiosity.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Cybersecurity merit badge fits well within the wide range of topics Scouts can explore. It introduces important skills for today’s world, such as staying safe online, protecting personal information, and understanding common threats. This badge helps Scouts see how digital safety connects to everyday life. It also gives them tools they can use at home, at school, and later in their careers. It stands alongside other badges that teach practical and modern skills.

The merit badge program encourages learning by doing, and the Cybersecurity merit badge supports that goal. Scouts work through real examples and learn how to make smart choices online. This badge adds variety to the program by giving Scouts a chance to explore technology in a meaningful way. It helps them grow in confidence as they learn to navigate the digital world with care.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Cybersecurity merit badge also supports the goals of Scouts BSA by teaching responsibility and awareness. It helps Scouts understand how their choices affect their own safety and the safety of others. This ties in well with leadership, since leaders need to protect information and guide others toward good habits. The badge also encourages clear thinking and careful decision-making.

It also connects to citizenship and personal growth. Scouts learn how online actions can affect their community and how to be good digital citizens. The skills they practice support problem solving, patience, and attention to detail. This fits well with the program’s aim of helping youth grow into caring and capable individuals.

What is the Cybersecurity merit badge?

The Cybersecurity merit badge teaches Scouts how to stay safe when using computers, phones, and the internet. It also helps Scouts learn about online threats, good digital habits, and future careers in technology.

Who can earn the Cybersecurity merit badge?

Any Scout in Scouts BSA can work on the Cybersecurity merit badge. Scouts will find it interesting if they use technology often.

Why should I earn the Cybersecurity merit badge?

The Cybersecurity merit badge helps you understand how to protect your information online. You also learn how to be responsible with technology and how to avoid risks. These are useful skills for school, home, and future jobs.

Do I need to know a lot about computers first?

No. The Cybersecurity merit badge is written so any Scout can learn step by step. You do not need to be an expert. The badge helps you build knowledge as you go.

What will I learn in the Cybersecurity merit badge?

Scouts learn about online safety, strong passwords, and protecting devices. They also learn about threats like malware and phishing. The Cybersecurity merit badge also covers ethics, careers, and how to keep yourself and others safe online.

Is the Cybersecurity merit badge hard?

The Cybersecurity merit badge takes focus, but it is not too hard. You will watch videos, read articles, and do some hands-on activities. Your counselor will guide you through the requirements.

Can the Cybersecurity merit badge help me in the future?

Yes. The Cybersecurity merit badge gives you skills that can be used in school and later in work. Many careers use cybersecurity, so this badge can be a first step in exploring those fields.

The Cybersecurity merit badge helps Scouts learn how to stay safe online. Technology is everywhere, from phones and tablets to gaming systems and laptops. Scouts discover how to protect their personal information, avoid risks, and use devices wisely. This knowledge helps in school, at home, and later in jobs.

The Cybersecurity merit badge also connects Scouting values to the digital world. Scouts learn that honesty, trustworthiness, and respect apply when using computers and the internet. They practice making good choices when faced with tricky situations, like spotting a phishing email or using strong passwords.

Earning the Cybersecurity merit badge gives Scouts practical skills. They learn about online threats, safe networks, and how to defend devices. They also see how updates, firewalls, and encryption work. These are real skills that can keep Scouts and their families safe every day.

The Cybersecurity merit badge also points to the future. Many jobs today use cybersecurity, and the field continues to grow. By exploring this topic, Scouts may find a new interest or even a career path. At the same time, they will always carry the tools to be safe, careful, and responsible online.

Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers