North Dakota Makes History as First State to Require Cybersecurity Education for All Students

North Dakota has become the first U.S. state to require cybersecurity education for all students. Gov. Doug Burgum signed House Bill 1398 on March 24, 2023, making computer science and cybersecurity instruction a requirement in the state’s public schools.

Cybersecurity affects everyone, whatever their age or job. Remote work and online learning have only made it more important. Attackers look for weak spots in our systems and our habits, and a single mistake can cost money, privacy or reputation.

Under the law, elementary and middle schools must provide computer science and cybersecurity instruction, and high schools must offer at least one unit in computer science or cybersecurity. Younger students can learn basics such as not oversharing personal information, creating strong passwords and spotting phishing. Older students can go further into topics such as networks and cryptography.

Other states could follow North Dakota’s lead. Adding cybersecurity to the standard curriculum everywhere would help the next generation protect themselves and make better decisions online.

North Dakota’s law is a real milestone. It gives students practical skills they will use for the rest of their lives, and it gives the state a head start on building a workforce that understands security.

John King, CISSP, PMP, CISM

John King currently works in the greater Los Angeles area as a ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer). John has a passion for learning and developing his cyber security skills through education, hands on work, and studying for IT certifications.