In a move to bolster national cyber hygiene and instill digital responsibility among the youth, Algeria’s National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), under the authority of the People’s National Army (ANP), hosted an educational awareness day focused on cybersecurity for secondary school students. The initiative took place at the Mohand-Mokhbi Mathematics High School in Kouba, Algiers, and is part of a broader strategy to build cyber awareness across all educational levels in the country
On Saturday, May 4, 2025, the corridors of the prestigious Mohand-Mokhbi Mathematics High School in Kouba buzzed not only with academic activity but also with forward-looking dialogue on cyber threats, responsible internet use, and the growing role of youth in the digital economy. The event, organized by the ANSSI, marked another step in the national effort to cultivate a cybersecurity-conscious generation.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nassim Boubertakh, the ANSSI’s information officer, explained that the session was part of a continuing campaign targeting students across Algeria’s three educational tiers. The goal: “to instill a culture of cybersecurity and raise awareness about the importance of digital responsibility.”
As cybercrime continues to evolve and permeate daily life, initiatives like these represent Algeria’s commitment to embedding cyber resilience from the ground up. Boubertakh emphasized that exposing students early to the basics of cybersecurity can ignite interest in technology and cybersecurity careers a strategic investment in the country’s future digital workforce.
He praised the enthusiastic participation of students and acknowledged the growing interest from parents, who see the tangible value of cybersecurity education in an increasingly connected society.
Madame Nadia Ben Taher, Director of Education for Algiers-Center, also addressed the gathering. She stressed that such educational interventions “guide students on how to safely use modern technology and digital applications while expanding their understanding of information security.” Ben Taher believes that instilling proper online habits now will allow students to navigate the internet more safely and responsibly.
The awareness day was held in collaboration with several government entities including:
- The Ministry of National Education
- The Ministry of National Solidarity, Family and Women’s Affairs
- The Ministry of Culture and Arts
- The Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-enterprises
- The National Authority for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood (ONPPE)
This cross-ministerial effort underscores Algeria’s recognition that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a societal one that intersects with culture, education, family, and innovation.
During the session, students participated in interactive discussions and received presentations highlighting real-world examples of cyber threats from phishing to identity theft and best practices for safe online behavior. Tools like password managers, two-factor authentication, and proper device hygiene were introduced as foundational defenses.
10 Key Tips to Protect Youth and Institutions from Cyber Threats:
- Start Cyber Education Early: Integrate cybersecurity basics into school curricula from primary levels onward.
- Encourage Parental Involvement: Educate parents on cyber threats to help them guide their children’s digital behavior.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Encourage students to avoid reusing passwords across sites and to use password managers.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Make 2FA a standard practice on all school and personal accounts.
- Update Devices Regularly: Ensure operating systems, browsers, and apps are always up to date to avoid exploitable vulnerabilities.
- Promote Critical Thinking: Train students to recognize phishing, misinformation, and manipulation attempts online.
- Limit Digital Footprint: Teach students the importance of safeguarding personal information and minimizing what they share online.
- Monitor Online Activity: Schools and families should implement respectful monitoring systems to ensure safe online engagement.
- Secure School Networks: Educational institutions must deploy firewalls and endpoint protection to shield their digital infrastructure.
- Establish a Reporting Culture: Students should be encouraged to report suspicious emails or activity to teachers or administrators.
Conclusion:
Algeria’s proactive engagement with cybersecurity education is not just a reaction to growing digital threats it’s a strategic national investment in its future. Through coordinated efforts like the ANSSI’s awareness programs, Algeria is not only empowering its youth with knowledge but also fostering a culture of responsibility and resilience in cyberspace.
By planting the seeds of cyber-awareness today, Algeria is cultivating a digitally secure tomorrow one student at a time.
