If you have not heard already, Coastline’s Cybersecurity Department produces local programs, events, and camps for interested members of the community including specialty programs for young students, which was recently attended by middle school student, Francine V. Feeling inspired and encouraged in her interest, Francine shared her experience with the Fullerton Observer about upcoming Coastline events, information about Cybersecurity and her time with Cyber Tech Girls, a program that encourages middle and high school female students in the field of Computer Science.
See full article below.
Fullerton Observer Article
If you’re in middle school and you want to learn more about cybersecurity, Troy High School is holding free training every Thursday, 3:30pm – 6:00pm, in preparation for the CyberPatriot XII National Competition on March 19-23, 2020 in Maryland.
Troy High School was the 2018 and 2019 national champion and their champion team-members are helping to train middle school students. No experience is needed and all you have to do is join your school’s CyberPatriot Club so your school can help you sign up.
First of all, what is a CyberPatriot? According to the AFA CyberPatriot website, “CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future.”
This program was started by the Air Force in 2009. There are many features associated with the program including CyberPatriot competitions, free training, CyberPatriot clubs in schools and the Cyber Tech Girls (CTG), organized to encourage more middle and high school female students to gain interest in computer science. The reason this program was created is not only to address the lack of female professionals in the cyber security industry, but also, according to GenCyber Program Director Tobi West, professor of Coastline College, “It is imperative that female students are encouraged to enjoy experiences related to cybersecurity in a fun, no-pressure environment. These types of experiences can help guide and develop future interest in cybersecurity education and professions.”
An example of a job in cyber security is Cyber Security Consultant with an average salary of $100,000. These professionals play both the attacker and the defender. They determine the weaknesses of a computer system and figure out how to strengthen it to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
If you are interested in any cyber security program, you can join upcoming events such as the CyberTech Expo 2019 on October 18 from 6-9pm and/or CTF (Capture the Flag) Cyber Defense Competition for Beginners on *October 19 from 9am – 2pm, all happening at Coastline College in Garden Grove.
*This article has been revised by Coastline College as the event is now October 19th.