Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Cybersecurity and the Trail to Eagle

Cybersecurity Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 9 main requirements for Cybersecurity. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1. 1

   Safety. Do the following:

   1. a.With permission, view the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video.
   2. b.Explain how to protect your digital footprint and show how to set privacy settings for personal info, photos, and location.
   3. c.Discuss first aid and prevention for eye strain and repetitive injuries, and how to stay physically safe while using a mobile device.
2. 2

   Ethics. Do the following:

   1. a.Relate three points of the Scout Law to how people use the internet and connected devices.
   2. b.Discuss ethical and unethical behavior online, including unattended devices, seen passwords, and unsecured websites.
3. 3

   Fundamentals. Do the following and discuss each with your counselor:

   1. a.Describe three types of computer systems that need protecting and why.
   2. b.Explain the C.I.A. Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and why it is fundamental to cybersecurity.
4. 4

   Threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Do the following and discuss each:

   1. a.Define vulnerability, threat, and exploit, with an example of each.
   2. b.Pick one type of malware, explain how it works, and describe the harm it can cause.
   3. c.Identify two risks of public Wi-Fi and how to reduce them.
   4. d.Describe spoofing and phishing, how to recognize them, and what to do if you encounter one.
   5. e.Current events: read about a recent cybersecurity incident, OR watch a movie or read a book featuring cybersecurity, and discuss it.
   6. f.List your personal cyber attack surface: accounts, apps, devices, and home networks.
5. 5

   Cyber defenses. Do the following:

   1. a.Describe three technologies used to defend a computer or network, such as access controls, antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection, or VPNs.
   2. b.Explain why installing updates matters, then demonstrate checking for, installing, and verifying updates on a device.
   3. c.System security: with permission, do THREE hands-on tasks such as setting a strong password, using MFA, setting up a password manager, running a virus scan, viewing running processes or network connections, backing up data, or making a home security checklist.
6. 6

   Cryptography. Do the following:

   1. a.Research and explain three situations where encryption is used and why it matters.
   2. b.Show how to tell whether your connection to a website is encrypted.
   3. c.Do ONE: create your own cipher, set up an end-to-end encrypted app, demonstrate file hashing, or create and use a PGP key.
7. 7

   Describe four internet-connected devices you encounter, why connectivity is useful, the risks it poses, and how to protect them.

8. 8

   Do ONE of the following:

   1. a.Learn about a cybersecurity competition, camp, or activity you could join and share what you learned.
   2. b.Participate in a cybersecurity competition with your troop, school, or an approved group.
   3. c.Give a presentation with a demonstration or hands-on activity on a cybersecurity topic.
9. 9

   Do ONE of the following:

   1. a.Identify three cybersecurity careers. Research one in depth and discuss it with your counselor.
   2. b.Visit a business or organization that does cybersecurity work and learn about its roles.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Cybersecurity Merit Badge FAQ

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