About the guidelines
The Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines challenge students to explore the principles that keep our digital world secure. Through real-world problems and solutions, they’ll confront the complexity of global systems, think like both defenders and adversaries, and grapple with the ethical questions at the core of cybersecurity in a connected society.
Why These Guidelines Matter
As society grows increasingly dependent on networks, software, and the data they carry, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater—yet the talent gap remains wide. These Guidelines aim to inspire educators, curriculum providers, and industry to create engaging high school programs that spark interest in cybersecurity careers while fostering a mindset that benefits any profession. Students will learn to think like adversaries, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard personal data.
While rooted in computer science, the Guidelines define cybersecurity as a distinct, multidisciplinary field that blends technical skills with insights from the social sciences. This approach helps students understand the societal impact of technology, anticipate threats, and respond effectively.
Designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, the curriculum encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and broad engagement—exposing students to the many paths within the cybersecurity field and the vital role they can play in our connected world.
What’s included
Eight Core Big Ideas
A comprehensive framework covering ethics, trust, connectivity, data security, system security, adversarial thinking, risk, and societal implications.
Essential Questions & Learning Objectives
Guiding prompts and measurable goals to help educators shape engaging, outcomes-driven lessons.
Enduring Understandings
Key concepts students should retain long after the course ends, forming the backbone of a cybersecurity mindset.
Glossary of Terms
A ready-to-use reference for students and teachers, clarifying technical language and concepts throughout the curriculum.
About the development team
The Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines were created by a team of educators, researchers, and industry leaders with deep expertise in teaching, technology, and national security. Together, they bring decades of experience spanning K-12 instruction, university research, government programs, and curriculum design—uniting a shared mission to inspire the next generation of cyber thinkers and professionals.
Acknowledging our Sponsors
The NCF thanks Northrop Grumman Corporation, the National Security Agency, and the Hewlett Foundation for their generous support of the Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines. We also recognize Lockheed Martin and Northern Trust for their past contributions to our educational programs. Their investments make it possible to deliver national K-12 guidelines that equip educators and students with the knowledge and skills essential to defending our nation’s cyber domain.