American University in Cairo

Course/Program Description:

In the AI Future Cyber Defender track of the Future Me – My AI Companion program, young learners will dive into the powerful intersection between Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. This track introduces how AI technologies are revolutionizing the defense of digital spaces by detecting risks, predicting cyber threats, and supporting intelligent, real-time decision-making.

Through interactive simulations and hands-on team-based activities, participants will explore how threat detection systems work, simulate defense strategies, and design simplified response plans using AI-supported logic. Along the way, learners will be encouraged to apply critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and creative problem-solving to build their own defense scenarios.

To complement their technical knowledge, learners will also engage in a soft skills module focused on the human side of cyber defense. Through role-play, group challenges, and reflective activities, participants will develop the ethical awareness, digital responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills essential for building trust and resilience in the digital world.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Explain how AI can both fuel cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity defenses.
2. Analyze cyber threats from technical, human, and societal perspectives using real-life examples.
3. Distinguish between ethical and unethical online behaviors, and evaluate their own personal digital habits.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking and effective team communication in simulated threat-response activities.
5. Recognize ethical and unethical digital behavior in everyday situations.
6. Discuss the importance of trust and responsibility when working with digital tools and AI.
7. Demonstrate teamwork by participating in collaborative digital defense role-plays.
8. Analyze cyber threat scenarios from an ethical and human impact perspective.
9. Construct clear, respectful, and strategic team communication in high-pressure simulations.
10. Reflect on their own digital habits and how they can contribute to safe online environments.