Friday, October 14, 2011

Educating the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals

Posted by: Nicole Dean, Director, DHS National Cyber Security Division

Today, we are more interconnected than ever before. Yet, for all its advantages, increased connectivity brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we are reminded that we must continue to educate and engage the next generation of cyber workers to protect against evolving cyber threats and meet the growing technological needs of government and industry. As part of this effort, I had the pleasure of discussing the future of cyber education in America with public and private sector partners at an event yesterday in Mountain View, Calif., sponsored by our partners at the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Churchill Club of Silicon Valley. 

At DHS, we are committed to building and sustaining a world-class cybersecurity team by hiring a diverse group of cyber professionals and offering them opportunities to acquire new skills and grow as professionals. To that end, Secretary Napolitano introduced the Cybersecurity Workforce Initiative, an effort to recruit and train highly-specialized cybersecurity professionals with experience in information technology, computer science, network and computer engineering, information assurance, and program management. 
 
Through the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education, DHS works with schools and universities to attract top talent and build a cadre of cybersecurity professionals through competitive scholarships, fellowships, internship programs, and other student opportunities.  We are also offering a variety of other training and professional development opportunities, including:

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play. Emerging cyber threats require the engagement of the entire society—from government and law enforcement to the private sector and most importantly, members of the public.  We hope you’ll join our efforts to protect the nation’s critical assets.  Click here to learn more about cybersecurity education at DHS.