So You Want to Be a Digital Detective?
This article is the first in a two-part series about cybersecurity written by experts at Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology.
Have you ever wondered who keeps social-media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram safe? Or who stops scammers from stealing bank information or credit card numbers? Online and digital safety are called cybersecurity. You probably already use cybersecurity techniques every day by doing things like creating strong passwords, not clicking weird links, and making sure strangers can’t access your digital photos.
The people who work behind the scenes on cybersecurity protect our devices and data from those who try to break in, steal information, or intentionally cause problems. They develop ways to keep us safe online, and are always on the lookout for people who are trying to cause harm.
Working in cybersecurity can be exciting and rewarding. So it’s surprising that more teens aren’t interested in careers in this field. A recent report by Girls Who Code found that some teens think cybersecurity is too hard or not cool and exciting. Many girls don’t think they’re good enough at tech, even though they’re capable and could be. And you probably haven’t heard of any cybersecurity celebrities. We often see doctors and lawyers on television shows and in movies, in the news, and in our social feeds, but we hardly ever see information security analysts or digital forensic examiners.
Finding role models in cybersecurity might not be easy, but there are many out there. One high school student is already making waves in the field: Tejasvi Manoj, a senior at Lebanon Trail High School, in Frisco, Texas. “Coding fascinated me because it allowed me to be creative while solving real-world problems,” Tejasvi says. When she was in the eighth grade, she enrolled in a Girls Who Code program and applied the skills she learned to create a website that educates senior citizens about cybersecurity. This project helped her earn the title of TIME’s Kid of the Year.
“Ultimately, my goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem where technology actively protects older adults, educates them about cybersecurity, and fosters independence,” Tejasvi says, “making online safety effortless, intuitive, and widely accessible.” Her story demonstrates that, no matter your age, there are ways to help keep the Internet safe.
Want to explore your interest in cybersecurity? Free games such as Interland and CyberStart are fun ways to learn about Internet safety. The website Get CyberSmart provides cybersecurity tips, videos, and activities for students. You can also check out YouTube videos, such as the PowerCert channel, and podcasts like Malicious Life. Then you can start practicing what you learn by helping family members and friends check the privacy settings on their devices and spot scams online.
Cybersecurity is for anyone who’s curious and creative and wants to make a real difference. You don’t need to be perfect at tech: You just need to start. The digital world is only getting bigger, and right now, it needs more people who care about keeping it safe. Why not you? You might just become the next digital superhero protecting millions of people online.
