MARCH 10, 2025 — The Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) at UTSA is partnering with the Texas Alliance for Statewide Initiatives (TASI) to address the required learning objectives presented in Texas House Bill 18 (HB 18).
Signed into law in June 2023, HB 18, also known as the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, aims to protect minors from harmful online content and data collection practices.
CyManII, in collaboration with TASI, is supporting HB 18 by providing cybersecurity resources and training to parents to help them protect their children from online risks such as cyberbullying and online predators.
“In a digital world full of opportunities and hidden dangers, educating children about cybersecurity and online safety is not just a precaution, it’s a necessity.”
Through the newly formed Texas Digital Defenders program, CyManII and TASI have created a series of micro-learning videos that will equip children with the tools and strategies needed to avoid risky interactions and promote safe and responsible online practices. Six videos in English and Spanish, cover a variety of cybersecurity resources, including tips on cyberbullying, online predators, protecting an individual’s digital footprint, parental engagement, creating passwords, and how to avoid phishing and other scams.
“In a digital world full of opportunities and hidden dangers, educating children about cybersecurity and online safety is not just a precaution, it’s a necessity,” said Nate Acevedo, CyManII’s acting chief cybersecurity and education and workforce development officer. “Children who understand the risks online will grow into empowered and responsible digital citizens, which is the goal of Texas Digital Defenders.”
The U.S. Department of Energy launched CyManII in 2020, as part of the greater Manufacturing USA Network, to work across the manufacturing industry, research and academic institutions, and federal agencies and develop technologies that enable the security and growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Simultaneously, CyManII is continuing its collaborative research to design and implement next-generation architectures that are cyber-inspired and secure by design. It is housed at UTSA.
