Vikramaditya Shrivastava
The rapid expansion of digital technologies has revolutionised modern life, yet vulnerable groups such as primary school-aged children and retirees remain disproportionately exposed to cyber threats. While these groups are the focus of this policy proposal due to their distinct challenges—children facing risks such as cyberbullying, and retirees vulnerable to losing their hard-earned life savings to scams—this in no way diminishes the importance of cyber literacy for other demographics. This article advocates for government and institutional policies to address the cybersecurity knowledge gap through inclusive education and awareness programmes, recognising cybersecurity as a universal life skill essential for all.
Introduction: The Cybersecurity Challenge
In today’s interconnected world, digital platforms have become indispensable for
communication, education, and economic activities. Alongside these opportunities, however, the risks posed by cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, and privacy breaches have grown significantly. Vulnerable groups, including children and retirees, are increasingly engaging with online spaces yet often lack the foundational knowledge needed to protect themselves.
These two groups represent unique challenges within the broader cybersecurity landscape.
Children, influenced by social media from an early age, face risks such as cyberbullying, online
grooming, and exposure to harmful content. Retirees, on the other hand, are particularly
vulnerable to phishing scams and financial fraud, which can lead to devastating losses of their
life savings and retirement funds. These distinctive challenges make children and retirees crucial focus areas for targeted interventions.
It is vital to emphasise, however, that cybersecurity awareness is not exclusive to these groups.
Cyber literacy is essential for all individuals in an increasingly digitalised world, underscoring
the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to digital education policies.
Policy Priorities: Rethinking Cybersecurity Education
The increasing dependence on digital technologies necessitates a fundamental shift in how cybersecurity education is perceived and delivered. To bridge the knowledge gap, policymakers
must prioritise the following actions:
- Position Cybersecurity as a Universal Life Skill: Cybersecurity must be reframed as an
essential skill integral to everyday life. Policymakers should integrate digital literacy and
cybersecurity education into school curricula and lifelong learning programmes. This
approach will empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and
resilience. - Focus on Vulnerable Groups with Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Tailored
educational initiatives are critical to addressing the specific risks faced by children and
retirees. For children, interactive tools and engaging content can be used to teach safe
practices on social media platforms. For retirees, practical workshops focusing on
recognising scams, protecting financial assets, and safeguarding online privacy will be
invaluable. - Collaborative Public-Private Models: Partnerships between educational institutions,
government agencies, and cybersecurity experts will be essential for scaling awareness
programmes effectively. Leveraging collective expertise and resources can accelerate the
development and implementation of impactful educational content. - Culturally Sensitive and Scalable Solutions: Effective cybersecurity education must
account for diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts. Designing adaptable
frameworks will ensure inclusivity, making programmes accessible to underserved
populations and communities.
Recommendations for Policymakers
To bridge the cybersecurity knowledge gap, policymakers and governance institutions should
prioritise the following actions:
- Integrate Cybersecurity into Core Education Policies: Mandate digital literacy and cybersecurity education across schools, vocational training centres, and community outreach programmes. By embedding these concepts into mainstream education, governments can foster a culture of awareness and preparedness from an early age.
- Promote Gamification in Learning: Use engaging tools such as role-playing games, quizzes, and interactive scenarios to enhance knowledge retention and application, especially for vulnerable groups who benefit from hands-on learning approaches.
- Enhance Funding for Cyber Literacy Programmes: Allocate resources to develop, test, and scale educational initiatives for vulnerable populations. Ensuring sustained financial support will be critical to creating impactful and scalable programmes that reach all corners of society.
- Conduct Long-Term Evaluations: Implement periodic assessments to monitor the sustained impact of cybersecurity education and refine programmes based on findings. These evaluations will not only improve current policies but also help anticipate future challenges in the digital landscape.
Broader Implications and Vision
While children and retirees are highlighted due to their unique vulnerabilities, the significance of cybersecurity education extends far beyond these groups. Cyber literacy is a cornerstone for
building a digitally resilient society where individuals of all ages can navigate online spaces
confidently and responsibly.
By advocating inclusive policies, promoting innovative approaches such as gamified learning,
and fostering a cultural shift in perceptions of cybersecurity, we can bridge the knowledge gap and empower communities to thrive in a digital-first world. The future demands collective action, with governments, institutions, and private organisations working hand-in-hand to prioritise cyber literacy as a global imperative. By addressing this challenge today, we pave the way for a safer, more equitable digital environment for generations to come.
About the contributor: Vikramaditya Shrivastava is a Master of Arts student specialising in International Relations, Security, and Strategy at O.P. Jindal Global University, India. His research focuses on the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, on global security frameworks. He is a fellow at the DFPGYF Diplomacy, Foreign Policy & Geopolitics Youth Fellowship, IMPRI.
Acknowledgements: The author extends sincere gratitude to Impact and Policy Research Institute India team for reviewing the article and for providing the opportunity to write the article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI
Driving Change: Women in Policy and the Path to Equitable Healthcare
