The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Senior Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.

Info Needed for the badge requirements: Public Wi-Fi can be risky because whoever manages the network can see your data. These steps help protect your devices and data from cyber threats: Connect only to trusted networks and avoid ones with similar-looking names (like “CoffeeShop Free_Wifi” instead of “CoffeeShop Wi-Fi”). Use a VPN to protect your data. Disable auto-connect to avoid joining unknown networks. If unsure about a Wi-Fi network, use cellular data instead. Never send sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details, over unsecured Wi-Fi. If you’re not sure about a Public Wi-Fi, turn off Wi-Fi and use your phone’s cellular data instead.

Items Needed

• VTK Wi-Fi Network Options by GSUSA (one for each pair of scouts).

Instructions

1. As scouts arrive, invite them to pair up. Provide each pair with a Wi-Fi Network Options. Scouts circle the Wi-Fi networks they believe are safe to use.
2. Bring scouts together to discuss the activity:
   • What kind of data would the they require when using the network they chose (e.g., email logins, credit card info)?
   • Which networks did they choose and why?
   • Why might less secure networks seem tempting (e.g., convenience, cost)?
   • What should they do if they aren’t near a secure network but need to access sensitive information (e.g., wait or use cellular data)?
3. Review the safest choices on Wi-Fi Network Options together:
   • Safest: A personally owned Wi-Fi device (e.g., Verizon-MiFi6620L).
   • Next Best: Secure public networks, such as those with a landing page provided by a trusted business.
   • Avoid: Open Wi-Fi with no password or authentication.