Are you unsure of how to start training for CyberPatriot? Then this page is for you! These training modules provide a good foundation for the challenges teams will find in each of their virtual machine images, but they are not all-inclusive. After examining these modules, teams may dig further into each of the topics using the other links on the menu to the left. It is highly recommended that teams use the expertise of their Mentors to increase their knowledge and have greater success in the competition.
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• Unit 1: Introduction to CyberPatriot and Cybersecurity  – This module contains information about the CyberPatriot program and cybersecurity concepts in general. Topics include:
• CP-VII basics
  
• The importance of cybersecurity
• Cyber careers
• Unit 2: Introduction to Online Safety – This module outlines ways to stay safe on the Internet. Topics include:
• Cyberbullying
• Personally identifiable information
• Social media tips
  
• Unit 3: Cyber Ethics - This module outlines the fundamentals of ethical behavior in the real world and online.  Topics include:​
  • Important definitions
    
  • Ethical behavior
    
  • Ethics and cybersecurity
    
  • Ethics applications
• Unit 4: Principles of Cybersecurity – This module describes cybersecurity concepts in more detail. Topics include:
  
• CIA Triad
  
• How to build strong passwords
  
• Social engineering
  
• Malware​
• Unit 5: Computer Basics and Virtualization – This module provides information about computer hardware and the software used to play competition virtual machine images. Topics include:
  
• Internal components of a computer
• Operating system types and security
• Basics of virtual computing
• Broad understanding of major networking components and concepts
• Unit 6: Microsoft Windows Basic –  Participants will understand what the Microsoft Windows operating system is and its basic history​
• An introduction to Windows operating systems
• Windows version history
  
• Window-specific terms and definitions
  
• Unit 7: Microsoft Windows Security Tools – Understand where basic Windows operating system security tools are located and how to manage Windows accounts. This module contains more advanced Windows security topics, including:
  
• Control Panel and Windows Settings
• Administrative Tools
• Security and Maintenance
• Windows Defender Security Center
• Windows Defender Firewall
• Windows Update
• Unit 8: Microsoft Windows Security Configuration –  Learn how to implement proper file-level permissions on Windows systems, how to best back up practises, and audit logging.
  • File level permissions 
    
  • Permission inheritance and parent/child relationships
    
  • Major backup techniques and types
  • Audit logging purpose and configuration
  • Performance monitoring purpose and configuration
• Unit 9: Introduction to Linux and Ubuntu​  - Understand the basics of Linux, including the nature, architecture, and differences/similarities with WindowsTopics include:
• Linux Overview
  
• Common Linux terms and definitions
• Linux System architecture​​
• Differences and similarities with Windows
• The "sudo" command
• Unit 10: CyberPatriot Competition Demonstration Software  - The CyberPatriot Demo is a partial simulation of a CyberPatriot image, with a built-in tutorial. The Demo aims to introduce teachers, students, organizational leaders, and others to the CyberPatriot competition. The small software package (50 MB) was designed as an informational and recruiting tool that can be used as a presentation or hands-on activity at an event, conference, meeting, or in the classroom (in-person or virtual). Note that this software is NOT designed to be a training image for CyberPatriot teams.