Creating the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals

Creating the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals

News stories every day show the need to protect national security, corporate and other institutions from cyber attacks. Thus, inspiring a new generation of students to enter the cyber security field is the goal of a free camp taking place at USD this summer.

 

The GenCyber Academy of Excellence, funded by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation, engaged students in a variety of exciting activities including responding to mock cyber attacks and hacking, designing systems to prevent them, along with the basics of cyber security knowledge and ethics.

“Capturing students’ attention at an early age is the way to build a pipeline of young professionals ready to meet these challenges,” said Chell Roberts, PhD, dean of USD's Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.

USD’s Center for Cyber Security Engineering and Technology, housed within the engineering school, is one of an estimated 80 universities to receive funding for a camp nationally and the only one in San Diego. The program included formal instruction from engineering and computer science faculty, hands-on experience with cyber defense tools and field trips to local cyber security organizations and companies including Playstation.

More than 200 applications were received from all over the country for 50 spots in the camp. Students selected ranged from those with lots of experience to those from underrepresented communities who were encouraged to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.

An advanced camp will take place later this summer and there will be weekend camps this fall. Click here for more information.

— Liz Harman

Video by Abigail Lombardo '17

Contact:

Liz Harman
eharman@sandiego.ed
619-260-4682