067. Tech Gifts and Hidden Risks: What to Know Before You Shop this Holiday Season

How do we help kids make wise choices online, especially when we’re not there to guide them? In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Tina Williams-Koroma, Founder of CyDeploy, for a thoughtful conversation on helping children navigate digital relationships, recognize warning signs, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.Drawing from her upcoming Cyber Saturday session, Tina shares practical insights to help parents and caregivers move beyond fear or strict rules and instead equip kids with sound judgment, confidence, and discernment in today’s digital world.If you’re attending Cyber Saturday this weekend, this episode offers a meaningful preview of Tina’s message. If you’re not able to attend, you’ll still walk away with clear, actionable takeaways you can begin using right away with the kids in your life.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/Topics discussed: cyber safety, internet safety, discernment, raising discerning digital citizensStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

This special episode features the second portion of the recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan, Dr. Melissa Dark, Kimberly Mentzell, and Seeyew Mo.We dive into what it takes to bring cybersecurity into every classroom, why policy and funding matter, and how strong partnerships between schools, the private sector, and government can open meaningful pathways for all students – especially those in underserved communities. Tune in and take it back to your classroom, your district, or your community.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: cyber education, cybersecurity, equity, K–12 partnerships, educator support, building the future cyber workforceStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

This special episode features the full recording of a live panel hosted at the NCF Education Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an event dedicated to empowering educators and expanding access to high-quality cyber learning across K–12. Our panel brought together national leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development: Quiana Bannerman, Siraaj Hasan, Dr. Melissa Dark, Kimberly Mentzell, and Seeyew Mo.We dive into what it takes to bring cybersecurity into every classroom, why policy and funding matter, and how strong partnerships between schools, the private sector, and government can open meaningful pathways for all students – especially those in underserved communities. Tune in and take it back to your classroom, your district, or your community.CYBER SATURDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don’t miss this free, action-packed even on Saturday on January 17th. Use the registration link below and save your spot today!https://thetac.tech/cyber-saturday/ Topics discussed: cyber education, cybersecurity, equity, K–12 partnerships, educator support, building the future cyber workforceNever miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5.

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Craig Taylor, co-founder of CyberHoot, to explore a new way of thinking about security awareness training: one built on confidence, encouragement, and real human psychology.Craig shares how he went from earning his CISSP way back in 2001 to building a platform that replaces fear-based “gotcha” training with gamified learning that actually works. We dive into the philosophy behind positive reinforcement, how it changes behavior, and why it’s time to move beyond shame-driven security culture.We also talk about Craig’s journey, the free resources CyberHoot offers, and how this human-centered approach can help anyone become more cyber-literate – students, schools, small businesses, and even large organizations looking to build safer digital habits.Whether you’re exploring cybersecurity as a future career, trying to strengthen your online skills, or supporting a community that needs better digital awareness, this conversation offers a fresh, encouraging perspective on what security awareness training can be.Mentioned CyberHoot Resources:Main Website: https://cyberhoot.com/Individual Registration (Free Personal Training for Life): https://cyberhoot.com/individuals/Cybrary (Cybersecurity Library of Terms in Layperson language): https://cyberhoot.com/cybrary/CyberHoot is excited to offer our listeners 20% off for 1 year using code "CyberChats"Topics discussed: positive reinforcement in cybersecurity, rethinking security awareness training, human-centered cyber learning, psychology and cybersecurity behavior, gamified cyber education, reducing fear-based training, building cyber confidence, cyber literacy for schools and small businesses, MSP cybersecurity enablement, real-world digital safety habits, the human layer of security, cyber career journeys, creating a supportive security culture, Toastmasters.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

This festive #CyberChats episode explores the most popular tech gifts of the 2025 holiday season and the security surprises that may come with them. From smart speakers and wearables to trackers, VR headsets, and kid-friendly gadgets, we look at how these devices collect data and where privacy risks can sneak in. Join us for practical, easy tips to help you give and receive the latest tech with confidence, and keep your home merry, bright, and secure all season long.Topics discussed: Amazon Echo Dot, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, Apple AirTag, Fitbit Inspire 3, Oura Ring, Meta Quest 3, Apple iPad, Google TV Streamer 4K, VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX4, cybersecurity, privacy, holiday shopping. Never miss an episode by signing up for our podcast newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/community/cyberpulse-subscribe.html⁠ Send us your questions and episode suggestions at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/community/cyberpulse-questions-suggestions.htmlStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In this episode we are teaming up with our favorite Cyber Security expert, James Walsh, for a crossover episode with Cyber Pulse where we discuss the pros and cons of family tracking apps like Life360. We talk about privacy issues, potential misuse by stalkers, effects on child development, the possible resulting trust issues with family and loved ones, and the effect on battery performance. Our goal is to give you the facts so you can decide if a family tracking app is right for you.We cite a few articles during the chat, listed here in case you want to dive in:Keegan, John (December 6, 2021). "The Popular Family Safety App Life360 Is Selling Precise Location Data on Its Tens of Millions of Users." The Markup. "Alleged Stalking Victims Accuse Tile of Advertising Its Devices as Women Trackers." Gizmodo. August 16, 2023. Karabus, Jude. "Stalking victims sue Tile, Amazon over trackers." www.theregister.com. Arkansas law firm sues Tile creators after stalking issues with device. August 18, 2023Child Development - Cambridge University Press publication "Self-Regulation and Autonomy: Social and Developmental Dimensions of Human Conduct."Ohlheiser, Abby. "'Don't leave campus': Parents are now using tracking apps to watch their kids at college." The Washington Post. Topics: Life360, Find my Friends, Snapchat, Instagram, privacy, GDPR, CCPA, hackers, cybersecurity, location, geotagging, metadataNever miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In this episode of #CyberChats, we’re joined by Armora Rama, founder of the ThinkCyber Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to making cybersecurity accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone.Armora shares her personal journey into cybersecurity and the inspiration behind ThinkCyber’s mission of “Cybersecurity for the Greater Good.” She dives into how the foundation bridges the gap between students and professionals, turning cybersecurity into a shared mindset, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to take part in creating a safer, more trustworthy digital world.Tune in to learn how the ThinkCyber Foundation is redefining what it means to be “cyber aware,” fostering collaboration across generations, and helping communities understand the real-world implications of cybersecurity in our everyday lives.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Topics discussed: non-profit, mentorship programs, cybersecurity careers, cyber mindset, culture change, cybersecurity training Stock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

In this episode of #CyberChats, we sit down with Jay Patel, a high school senior whose passion for cybersecurity has already taken him into the professional tech world. Jay recently completed an internship at the Technology Advancement Center, where he gained hands-on experience learning how hardware and software work together – and how vulnerabilities in those systems can be exploited.We talk about how Jay discovered his interest in cybersecurity at a young age, what he learned during his internship, and why system security has become such an important focus for his future. From understanding why devices and programs have security flaws to exploring how we can design safer systems, Jay shares insights that are valuable for anyone curious about cybersecurity – especially students looking to follow a similar path.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠⁠Topics discussed: system security, college, student programs, cybersecurity internships, TAC. ⁠Stock Music⁠ provided by AG_Music, from ⁠Pond5⁠

In this episode of #CyberChats, we dive into the world of cyber competitions with Frederick Hall – Cyber Education Leader for Texas District 23 and CyberPatriot coach for both the Medina Valley High School AFJROTC and the Hondo Cyber Owls – alongside Jessica Counselman, Team Captain of the Hondo Cyber Owls.Fred shares what it’s like to guide middle and high school students through the fast-paced world of CyberPatriot competitions, while Jessica gives us a firsthand look at the excitement (and pressure!) of being a teen cyber defender.We explore how ubiquitous connectivity – from smartphones to smart fridges – shapes the way we train the next generation of cyber leaders, and how the skills learned by the Hondo Cyber Owls go far beyond competition. Tune in to hear stories of teamwork, strategy, growth, and what it really takes to soar in the ever-connected cyber sky. 🦉💻Want more? Be sure to check out Frederick Hall’s recent talk on Protecting Children from Online Predators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-10phc0TRVE&list=PLkEvzMtDFvPEHIQMOiJhdEMroHnpyNcJg&index=5Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Topics discussed: Cybersecurity education, CyberPatriot, ubiquitous connectivity, career development, preparation, security, cyber competitionStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5

It’s back-to-school season, and #CyberChats is kicking things off with a special guest: 2025 MCTA CTE Teacher of the Year, Robin Burns! From making cybersecurity feel like a puzzle instead of a textbook, to supporting students in the fast-paced Cyber Feud competition, she’s teaching the next generation how to think differently – like strategists, problem-solvers, and even opponents.In this episode, we dive into the idea of adversarial thinking – what it means, why it matters, and how it helps students in the classroom, in competitions, and in life. Whether you’re a cyber student or just curious about the world of cybersecurity, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how today’s learners are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.Never miss an episode or Challenge drop by signing up for our #CyberChats newsletter at: ⁠https://cryptologicfoundation.org/podcast⁠Topics discussed: adversarial thinking, back to school, cyber challenges, cyber learningStock Music provided by AG_Music, from Pond5