Guest Speaker Discusses Challenges in Cybersecurity Education
In May, Douglas Rausch, program director, Center for Cybersecurity Education, Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska, spent some time with the chapter discussing cybersecurity education.
Rausch began by talking about challenges that exist in cybersecurity education. He clarified how students do not have enough opportunities to gain practical experience to build up their resumes. Employers often require students to have five years of experience, which is unrealistic for recent graduates. Depending on when students enroll in cybersecurity degree programs can make it hard to build the necessary skills. Rausch pointed out competency-based education focuses on students completing tasks within the context of an actual work role.
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) has defined 74 work roles and tasks for cybersecurity professionals to fill. Rausch clarified Bellevue University has developed its own cyber range to provide students with a safe environment to practice and gain competency. Rausch discussed how AI has been integrated into cybersecurity education. Educators are emphasizing the importance of using AI as a tool rather than relying solely upon it. The AI tutor in the cyber range helps guide students through tasks and provides feedback, but students must ultimately demonstrate their competency independently.
Rausch talked about the importance of employer engagement in validating the skills and competencies of graduates. At the university, they provide students with badges and transcript notations to show their proficiency in specific cybersecurity roles.
Rausch concluded by clarifying how significant the role of alumni relations has become with respect to supporting job placement of those in the cybersecurity profession.
Rausch began by talking about challenges that exist in cybersecurity education. He clarified how students do not have enough opportunities to gain practical experience to build up their resumes. Employers often require students to have five years of experience, which is unrealistic for recent graduates. Depending on when students enroll in cybersecurity degree programs can make it hard to build the necessary skills. Rausch pointed out competency-based education focuses on students completing tasks within the context of an actual work role.
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) has defined 74 work roles and tasks for cybersecurity professionals to fill. Rausch clarified Bellevue University has developed its own cyber range to provide students with a safe environment to practice and gain competency. Rausch discussed how AI has been integrated into cybersecurity education. Educators are emphasizing the importance of using AI as a tool rather than relying solely upon it. The AI tutor in the cyber range helps guide students through tasks and provides feedback, but students must ultimately demonstrate their competency independently.
Rausch talked about the importance of employer engagement in validating the skills and competencies of graduates. At the university, they provide students with badges and transcript notations to show their proficiency in specific cybersecurity roles.
Rausch concluded by clarifying how significant the role of alumni relations has become with respect to supporting job placement of those in the cybersecurity profession.