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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Cybersecurity
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Cybersecurity is about safeguarding devices, personal data, and critical networks in an interconnected world. You will explore digital footprints and cyber ethics through the Scout Law, examine the CIA Triad and real-world attack vectors, implement robust defenses like MFA and cryptography, evaluate IoT risks, and take part in hands-on activities or competitions.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Threat Vectors, Malware & Social Engineering
- Cryptography, Encryption & Hashing
- Network Security Auditing & Defense
- Digital Privacy & Cybersecurity Careers
12Printable Pages
9Requirements
2025Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Cybersecurity Requirements
Every requirement for the Cybersecurity merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
- a View the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video (with your parent or guardian's permission).
- b Explain to your counselor how to protect your digital footprint, such as while using social media, mobile device apps, and online gaming. Show how to set privacy settings to protect your personal information, including photos of yourself or your location.
- c Discuss first aid and prevention for potential injuries, such as eye strain, repetitive injuries, and handling electronics devices, that could occur during repeated use. Discuss how to keep yourself physically safe while using a mobile device (for example while walking or biking).
- a Relate three points of the Scout law to things people do on the internet or with computers, phones, and other connected electronic devices.
- b Discuss with your counselor examples of ethical and unethical behavior in cyberspace. Include how to act responsibly when you encounter situations such as: coming across an unattended or unlocked computer or mobile device; observing someone type their password or seeing it written down near a computer; or discovering a website that is not properly secured. Explain why these situations require good judgement, and how the Scout Law and personal values should guide your actions.
3Fundamentals
Do the following and discuss each with your counselor:
- a Describe three types of computer systems that need protecting and explain why.
- b Explain the "C.I.A. Triad"—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—and why these three principles are fundamental to cybersecurity.
4Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
Do the following and discuss each with your counselor:
- a Define the terms vulnerability, threat, and exploit, and give an example of each that might apply to a website or software product you use.
- b Pick one type of malware (such as virus, worm, Trojan, backdoor, spyware, or ransomware) and find out how it works. Explain what it does and the harm it can cause.
- c Identify two risks of using public Wi-Fi and describe how to reduce or avoid those risks.
- d Describe what spoofing and phishing are, and how to recognize a message or website that might be trying to trick you. Explain what steps you should take to protect yourself and others if you come across one.
- e Current Events. Do ONE of the following:
- f Create a list of what is part of your cyber attack surface including all the ways someone could try to access your personal information or devices—such as online accounts, apps, or home networks.
5Cyber Defenses
Do the following:
- a Describe three technologies that are used to defend a computer or network, such as access controls, antivirus software, firewall, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and Virtual Private Network.
- b Installing updates. Do the following:
- c System security. With your parent or guardian's permission, do THREE of the following using a computer or mobile device, and discuss with your counselor:
6Cryptography
Do the following:
- a Research and explain to your counselor three situations where encryption is used in cybersecurity. For each situation, describe what kind of encryption is used and why it is important.
- b Show how you can know if your connection to a website is encrypted.
- c Do ONE of the following:
7Connected Devices and Internet of Things (IoT)
Describe to your counselor four electronic devices you encounter that could be connected to the internet, why this connectivity can be useful, what risks are posed by the connectivity, and how they could be protected.
8Cybersecurity Activities
Do ONE of the following:
- a Learn about a cybersecurity competition, camp, or other activity you could participate in (either now or in the future). Share what you learned with your counselor, including the type of activity, time commitment, and age of participants.
- b Participate in a cybersecurity competition with members of your troop, school, or some other group approved by your counselor. Either design your own competition or use an existing platform.
- c Give a presentation to your patrol, troop, or another group approved by your counselor, on a cybersecurity topic of your choice. Your presentation must include at least one demonstration and/or hands-on activity.
9Careers
Do ONE of the following:
- a Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
- b Visit a business or organization that does work in cybersecurity. Find out about different work roles, what they do, and how they acquired their knowledge through college degrees or certifications. Share what you learned with your counselor.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Cybersecurity requirements in 2025. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/cybersecurity/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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