The Cybersecurity Program debuted at the beginning of this school year, providing a chance for students to engage in a developing field. The program consists of both a club and a series of classes, both of which are a specialized opportunity for students who are interested in the world of cybersecurity. The program’s main goal is to educate students about cybersecurity from all perspectives according to Cybersecurity Club Sponsor Daniel Delgado.
“Our multi-year cybersecurity program [t]akes students from no computer knowledge all the way out to ethical hacking certification in [their] last year,” Delgado said.
Ethical hacking is a method for detecting weak points in a given company’s technological infrastructure to prevent attacks. The certification students can receive is legitimate and valid if they choose to work in the cybersecurity field in the future.
The class has a lot to offer: community service opportunities, competitions, and opportunities to engage in an up and coming field which grows more important by the day.
“We get unique opportunities to explore the configurations and security of computers and do lots of hands-on labs and collaborate for projects,” junior Kelly Svendsen said.
These aren’t the only ways to get involved. For students who can’t fit the Cybersecurity Program into their schedules and for faculty who want to get involved, the Cybersecurity Club opens its doors to everyone.
“Students interested in a career in or related to these fields should join the Cybersecurity Club to learn, compete, and serve our community while being in a group of like-minded technologically skilled individuals,” junior and Club President Gregg Chase said.
Chase, a co-founder of the Cybersecurity Club makes it clear that alongside the program, it offers an all-encompassing experience that extends beyond standard club activities. According to Chase, the club touches four key aspects which include community service, learning objectives, competitive events, and group projects. This method fosters a sense of community among classmates and faculty alike who are interested in technology in addition to improving the academic performance of younger students through engaging labs where they are able to take action against real problems.
The job opportunities in cybersecurity continue to expand and pay very well considering the importance of the careers as technology progresses and cyberattacks become increasingly dangerous.
“We are trying to prepare people for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Having a program in cybersecurity will ensure we are ready for the future,” Engineering, Biomed, and Computer Science Department Head Yoly McCarthy said.
As one of the first of this kind of program, the club members have taken a leap into what the future of modern technology has to offer and made it more accessible to students and staff alike of all ages.
