This story is from September 7, 2019

Students must spark interest in cyber studies, says NSA official

Josiah Dykstra, deputy technical director for cybersecurity operations at National Security Agency (NSA), USA, speaks to Education Times on why cybersecurity education is critical
Students must spark interest in cyber studies, says NSA official
Josiah Dykstra, deputy technical director for cybersecurity operations at NSA, USA.
Josiah Dykstra, deputy technical director for cybersecurity operations at National Security Agency (NSA), USA, speaks to Education Times on why cybersecurity education is critical
What has been your experience of working in the still niche field of cyber security?
The field of cyber security has been rapidly growing and evolving for several decades. This parallels the development and widespread adoption of digital technology, for which threats have emerged and protection is required.
During my undergraduate education, I became fascinated with the challenges and opportunities for protecting digital networks. I pursed graduate education and work experiences across the sub-disciplines of cyber security, including malware analysis and vulnerability analysis.
What will be the role of cyber security in future workplaces?
Almost everything we do today has a cyber security component to it. That's why cyber security education is so critical. The demand for skilled cyber security experts in government, academia, and industry has grown tremendously in the last decade and will continue.
Keeping in view future skilling, how can students be skilled in cyber security to be future ready? What are the skills required?
A solid foundation in STEM education is key for all ages. NSA sponsors cyber-related educational programs that help students to develop critical skills and provide real-world experiences in the classroom. Jointly sponsored by NSA and the
National Science Foundation, GenCyber camps provides free summer cyber security camps to students and teachers at the K-12 level. The goals of the programme are to help participants understand safe online behavior and cyber ethics, increase interest in cyber security, and improve teaching methods for delivering cyber security content.
How can cyber security be used in Economics, Finance, Policy and Social value creation?
Cyber security is a multi-disciplinary domain. In my opinion, the emergence of cyber insurance requires consideration not only about important aspects of cyber security, but also the relevant components of human behavior and economics. Further, researchers are exploring the economic cost of cyber crime. Criminals target digital assets because there is real or perceived value, and therefore strong cyber security provides value in protecting those assets.
Do you think there is a skill gap already when it comes to the demand for professionals in Cyber security?
The rate at which cyber security professionals are being created is not keeping up with the rate of growth in the demand for these skills. According to industry estimates, globally the shortage of cyber security professionals is nearly 3 million (International Information System Security Certification Consortium 2018 Cyber security Workforce Study).
A key component to a viable long-term strategy for resolving this shortage is to increase the number of young students (K-12) interested in pursuing careers in cyber. Another key aspect is increasing diversity in the cyber workforce. As example, women represent only 24 percent of the cyber workforce (International Information System Security Certification Consortium 2018 Cyber security Workforce Study).
What role should educational institutions play in bridging this gap?
Educational institutions play a tremendous role in educating our cyber security professionals. Schools begin to educate and excite children about how to use technology safely. Universities offer undergraduate programs in many cyber security disciplines, from engineering to computer science. Graduate programs produce highly-trained teachers and researchers. Schools and private companies offering continuing education and certificate programs for working professionals throughout their careers help to build and maintain competence in emerging technologies.
What are some of the future challenges pertaining to cyber security that we need to prepare for?
The rapid pace of technology means that the cyber security threat landscape is constantly evolving. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 5G are just a few examples of emerging technology that present both benefits and challenges for cyber security.
Should research be an integral part of cyber security curriculum in colleges? What is the scenario in the US in this regard?
Research is important to achieving positive cyber security outcomes. It must continue to play a role inside and outside of academia. In 2008, the US National Centers of Academic Excellence program added a research designation to engage academia in solutions for securing critical information systems and networks and to foster an understanding of robust cyber defense technology, policy and practices. For more information about cyber security education in the US, contact the National Initiative for Cyber security Education (NICE), which writes the framework for cyber security education in the US.
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