The Badge Archive

Wi-Fi Toss

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 Online Activity Cards by GSUSA (2–3 per scout, printed and cut out beforehand).
  • Three circular objects of different sizes (e.g., a hula hoop, bucket, and cup).

Instructions

  1. Set up the three circular objects at varying distances from a starting line (e.g., 8–10 feet away).
    • Largest circle (e.g., hula hoop): Represents free, anonymous Wi-Fi (no password) – is the least secure.
    • Medium circle (e.g., bucket): Represents public Wi-Fi provided by a business – is better but still risky.
    • Smallest circle (e.g., cup): Represents a password-protected network – the safest option.
  2. Give each scout 2–3 Online Activity Cards. These represent online tasks they need to complete, such as checking email or shopping online.
  3. Scouts crumple their cards into balls and toss them into the Wi-Fi option they think is safest for each task.
  4. Bring scouts together to discuss the activity:
    • What kind of data did their tasks require (e.g., email logins, credit card info)?
    • Which networks did they aim for, and why?
    • Why didn’t everyone choose the password-protected network, even if it was the safest?
    • Why might less secure networks seem tempting in real life (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)?
Tia Kennard