Preparing and protecting on the digital frontier

As October ushers in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it prompts an essential question: How are we preparing our young people, business professionals, and community members for cyber defense? In an era where digital threats are ever-evolving, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. This October, the public is invited to engage in active learning and recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity education and awareness.

In North Central Washington, a handful of local schools have already begun taking significant steps to integrate cybersecurity education into high school program pathways. Ephrata High School is one pioneering leader in this effort. Scott Sandberg, who serves as the CTE Business Coordinator and Technology Teacher, the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, describes cybersecurity as a “life skill” and has incorporated a comprehensive cybersecurity course. “ All students should know the world upon which they live in.” Sandberg shared recently. The courses he teaches equip students with essential skills in network security, ethical hacking, and data protection. As early as the 10th grade, Ephrata High School Students can begin the pathways with no prior experience or prerequisite courses and, within a year, earn their first industry-recognized certifications on a path to prepare for future employment in various IT roles and local businesses. 

The courses offer hands-on learning experiences that also allow students to tackle cybersecurity challenges and practice the skills that may one day help them address actual cyber threats in local hospitals, schools, utility districts, or small businesses. There are 22 students enrolled in the class this fall, including seven young women. When asked about why they were first interested in the course, 10th grade student Calvin, and 12th grade student Dayana both enthusiastically spoke about the connections that the courses make to real-world professional skills and the importance of learning things that will keep themselves, and their families, and others safe from harm. 

Sandberg’s dedication to continuously updating the curriculum to reflect the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence. His efforts ensure that students are not only learning theoretical concepts but also gaining practical skills that are crucial for navigating the digital landscape and even potential career interests. Sandberg draws on his own professional industry experiences and will make it a point to take the students to visit industry sites like the Data Centers in Quincy later this fall. The students also shared an interest in shared freelance work and opportunities as “Bug Bounty Hunters,” who are hired to find errors and engineer patches for companies. 

Community members who have long since left the high school classroom also have new ways to learn this month. On October 10th, the North Central Educational Service District, the Apple STEM Network, and NCW Tech Alliance will present the 2024 NCW Cybersecurity Summit at the Wenatchee Convention Center. This full-day event, from 8:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., has been sponsored by Microsoft and is free and open to the public and aims to bring together business, education, technology, and community partners for a day of learning and collaboration. The summit will feature presentations from cybersecurity professionals, covering the current cybersecurity landscape across various sectors. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, network with experts, and gain valuable insights into the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices.

The event organizers hope to draw community members from all levels of expertise to the event then plan to continue monthly Cyber Meetups around the region following the event to encourage ongoing learning and dialogue throughout the year. The hope is that these efforts will help to empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their data and their businesses. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is imperative that rural communities work together to build a resilient community that is well-prepared to face these challenges.

Tickets for the NCW Cyber Summit can be reserved by visiting 

https://www.ncesd.org/event/2024-ncw-cybersecurity-summit/