Why Cybersecurity Awareness Should Be Taught in Nepali Schools

Introduction

As Nepal embraces digital transformation, with growing internet access and smartphone penetration, the risks of cyber threats are escalating. A 2024 report highlighted $12.4 billion in global losses to AI-driven scams, including deepfakes and fake crypto platforms. In this context, teaching cybersecurity awareness in Nepali schools is critical to prepare students for a digital world fraught with dangers like phishing, sextortion, and ransomware. This article explores why cybersecurity education should be integrated into Nepal’s school curriculum and its potential impact.

The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape in Nepal

Nepal’s internet penetration has reached over 90% in urban areas, with young people increasingly active on social media, online learning platforms, and e-commerce. However, this connectivity comes with risks. Phishing attacks, social engineering, and AI-powered scams target students who often lack the knowledge to identify threats. For instance, sextortion scams, which surged by 137% in 2025 globally, exploit teenagers through fake profiles or stolen data, as reported by Avast. Without cybersecurity education, Nepali students are vulnerable to financial loss, identity theft, and emotional harm.

Why Cybersecurity Education is Essential

Integrating cybersecurity awareness into school curricula equips students with essential skills to navigate the digital world safely. Key reasons include:

• Early Awareness: Teaching cybersecurity from a young age fosters a culture of vigilance, helping students recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and fake profiles.
• Digital Literacy: Cybersecurity education complements digital literacy, enabling students to use technology responsibly and protect their personal information.
• Preventing Exploitation: Awareness of scams like sextortion and romance fraud can protect students from emotional and financial exploitation.
• Future Workforce: As Nepal’s economy grows in tech and digital sectors, cybersecurity knowledge prepares students for careers in IT and cybersecurity.

Current Gaps in Nepal’s Education System

Nepal’s school curriculum focuses heavily on traditional subjects, with limited emphasis on digital skills. While computer science is offered in some schools, it rarely covers practical cybersecurity topics like password management, safe browsing, or recognizing social engineering. A 2023 survey by Nepal’s Ministry of Education showed that only 15% of secondary schools include basic digital safety in their programs, leaving most students unprepared for cyber threats.

Proposed Curriculum Changes

To address these gaps, Nepal’s education system should integrate cybersecurity awareness into existing subjects or as a standalone module. Suggested topics include:

• Online Safety Basics: Identifying phishing emails, securing social media accounts, and using strong passwords.
• Recognizing Scams: Understanding AI-driven scams, deepfakes, and sextortion tactics.
• Data Protection: Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and managing personal data.
• Cyber Ethics: Promoting responsible online behavior and respecting privacy.

Interactive methods like workshops, simulations, and gamified learning can make these lessons engaging. Collaborations with organizations like the Nepal Telecommunications Authority or global cybersecurity firms could provide resources and expertise.

Benefits for Students and Society

Cybersecurity education empowers students to protect themselves and their communities. It reduces the risk of falling victim to scams, which cost billions globally, and fosters a safer digital environment. Educated students can also guide their families, spreading awareness in rural areas where digital literacy is low. Moreover, cybersecurity skills open career opportunities in Nepal’s growing IT sector, contributing to economic development.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing cybersecurity education faces challenges like limited teacher training, lack of resources, and rural-urban disparities. Solutions include:

• Teacher Training: Offer workshops to equip teachers with cybersecurity knowledge.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with tech companies to fund resources and develop curricula.
• Localized Content: Create materials in Nepali and local languages to ensure accessibility.

Conclusion

As cyber threats like AI-driven scams and sextortion grow, with $12.4 billion lost globally in 2024, teaching cybersecurity awareness in Nepali schools is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. By equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital world safely, Nepal can build a resilient, tech-savvy generation. Integrating cybersecurity into the curriculum will protect students, strengthen communities, and prepare Nepal for a secure digital future. For more resources, visit FBI or Avast.