DRAFT -Behind the Screen: AI, Cybersecurity, and Social Media
+400 Points
$10000
Social media should be awesome—a place to share memes, chat with friends and show off your creativity. But sometimes, sneaky hackers, fake accounts, and tricky scams can ruin the fun. That’s where YOU come in! In this Challenge, you’ll come up with a super-smart idea—like a product, a business, or a campaign—that uses AI and cybersecurity to keep social media safe. Maybe it’s a cool tool that sniffs out scams before they get you, a clever system that blocks hackers, or an epic program that teaches teens how to spot fake profiles. Let’s build the ultimate social media shield to keep the Internet fun, safe, and scam-free! Become a cybersecurity pro and come up with an idea to wow the judges and win big $$$!
This challenge will be available Feb. 18 - March 21, 2025.
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Skills you'll develop
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Social Awareness
The Evolving Threat of Cybercrime
Hackers use all kinds of sneaky tricks to steal information, like fake emails, suspicious links, and fake profiles. But you don’t have to be an expert to stay one step ahead! In this section, you’ll learn about the strategies hackers use and how to spot their scams. You’ll also discover simple, smart ways to protect yourself, like creating strong passphrases and recognizing fake messages. Get ready to level up your online safety skills and become a pro at staying cyber-safe!
Quick Computer Hacks (2:56)
Social Engineering Hacks (2:56)
Phishing, Vishing & Smishing (1:46)
Be Aware of These Threats (5:01)
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is like a digital shield, protecting your private information—like passwords, messages, and credit card details—from hackers. But with hackers getting smarter, AI is stepping in to make cybersecurity even stronger! In this section, you’ll explore the basics of cybersecurity, learn about common threats, and see how AI is transforming the fight against cybercrime. From spotting suspicious activity to stopping hackers in their tracks, AI is becoming a game-changer for digital safety. Get ready to discover how technology is making our digital world safer than ever!
What is Cybersecurity? (1:13)
Underrated Tips to Keep You Safe (3:51)
Improve Your Password (2:56)
Data Breach Protection (4:12)
AI Innovations in Cybersecurity
AI is revolutionizing the fight against cybercrime with tools like smart firewalls, phishing detectors, and systems that track unusual online behavior. In this section, you’ll explore how these technologies work and imagine ways to make them even better. Can you design a brand-new product or improve an existing one to protect specific groups like teens, elderly users, or small businesses? Think about what these groups might need to stay safe online and how AI could help. It’s your chance to create the next big thing in cybersecurity!
AI vs. Cyber Threats (2:38)
Making Cybersecurity Smarter with AI (3:14)
Microsoft Security Copilot (3:05)
Real-Time Threat Detection with AI (2:19)
Cybersecurity Companies & Careers
Discover the innovative companies and people leading the charge against cyber threats, like IBM Security, Symantec, and ethical hackers. These organizations use cutting-edge tools and strategies to keep us safe online. Now, it’s your turn to think big! Can you dream up a new business idea that tackles a cybersecurity challenge or improves an existing one? Consider how your business could help underserved groups or industries like healthcare, education, or social media stay protected in the digital world.
Cybersecurity Careers (5:46)
Amazon Cybersecurity (1:20)
Ethical Hacking (1:31)
Keeping Medical Records Safe (0:54)
Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns
Many people become victims of cyberattacks because they don’t know the risks or how to protect themselves. In this section, you’ll design a creative marketing campaign to raise awareness about cybersecurity. Using AI tools, you can create a campaign that teaches people how to stay safe online. You might target specific groups like teens on social media or older adults learning to use technology. Your goal is to help others understand the importance of cybersecurity and how they can protect themselves.
Lessons from an Expert (3:27)
Educating All Ages (5:01)
Cybersecurity Marketing Advice (1:58)
An Example of Effective Marketing (3:19)
The Ethical Challenges of AI & Cybersecurity
With great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to AI in cybersecurity. While AI can defend us against hackers and scams, it can also be misused to invade privacy, track personal behavior, or create smarter cyber threats. How do we make sure this powerful technology is used for good and not harm? In this section, you’ll explore the ethical challenges of using AI in cybersecurity, like balancing safety with privacy and ensuring fair treatment for everyone. Together, we’ll think about how to create AI systems that keep people safe while respecting their rights and earning their trust.
The Pros & Cons of AI (4:22)
Why AI Ethics are Necessary (0:44)
AI Cybersecurity Threats (4:24)
An Example of the Importance of Ethics (2:29)
Next Steps
Mentor Moment: Ask Questions!
Did you know that there are professionals, who created the Challenge, standing by to help you? They will also be judging your final pitches, so be sure to take advantage throughout the Challenge and post your questions on your dashboard. They want you to win!
What are you curious about? Ask them any questions that came up for you during the Explore phase.
Three Approaches: Your Choice!
One important part of The KnoPro Challenges is choosing the type of solution you plan to create (in a group or solo) and ultimately pitch to the judges. Check out an example of each of your choices: a product idea, a new business concept, or a marketing campaign. You can also get inspiration from all the winning projects.
Flip the cards to help you decide which approach you may want to take. Later in the Challenge, you'll choose ONE approach.
Product Idea
Product Idea
Get creative and come up with a new product idea that addresses the problem. This might be an app, a game, or a consumer product, for example. The possibilities are endless! You’ll write a design brief to plan your product, and ultimately create a “prototype” to pitch to the judges.
Business Concept
Business Concept
Imagine a unique business idea that addresses the problem. This might be a for-profit or non-profit venture, an online platform, or an in-person experience/pop-up shop, for example. The possibilities are limitless! Write a business plan, and then create a fun way to share your business idea with the judges.
Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Design an exciting and catchy marketing campaign that addresses the problem and inspires people to act! The campaign might be a viral social media video, a series of emails, or a live event, for example. You’ll write up a marketing plan and then create some "assets" and pitch your idea to the judges.
Fictional Example: "SafeTalk"
Problem Addressed: The rise of cyberbullying and harmful content on social media that affects kids' mental health.
Solution: SafeTalk is a messaging app with built-in AI that detects cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy threats in real-time. It sends alerts to users when unsafe messages are detected and allows them to report issues directly.
Why It Works: SafeTalk helps students stay safe while chatting with friends by blocking harmful content and giving them control over their digital space. It’s easy to use, fun, and designed to make socializing online safer.
Student Project Idea: "CyberPro Solutions"
Problem Addressed: The need for schools and parents to protect students from online threats like hackers and scammers.
Solution: CyberPro Solutions provides schools with a subscription service that includes tools to protect student data, block phishing scams, and monitor students' online activity for safety. Parents can also use the service to ensure their kids' social media accounts are safe.
Why It Works: This company makes digital safety accessible for schools and parents, giving them peace of mind that students are protected while online. It’s affordable, easy to implement, and keeps kids’ personal information safe.
Student Project Idea: "#StaySafeOnline"
Problem Addressed: The lack of awareness about how easy it is to fall victim to social media scams or identity theft.
Solution: The #StaySafeOnline campaign uses fun, engaging videos and quizzes on social media platforms to teach students about the dangers of oversharing, phishing, and privacy settings. It also includes challenges for students to create their own online safety tips and share them.
Why It Works: The campaign uses platforms that students are already on, making the message relatable and fun. It empowers students to protect themselves and their peers from online threats while encouraging responsible digital behavior.
