This Wednesday, Capitol College hosted students from Oxon Hill High School, Charles H Flowers High School, Frederick Douglas High School and Fort Meade High School for a cybersecurity awareness event in honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness month. Every October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it is an excellent opportunity to help create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.
The event kicked off with Dr. Vic Maconachy, vice president for academic affairs, detailing the importance of cybersecurity in today’s economy. Maconachy discussed the global scope of cyber threats today and how the need for professionals with a cybersecurity education continues to grow. He also mentioned the types of cyber threats that are prevalent today.
Following Maconachy, Capitol College senior Lisa Sedares took the stage and discussed her experience at Capitol College and in her internship. She detailed the exciting work she has been performing at NASA and how her experience at Capitol College and in the college’s Space Operations Institute has helped her gain an edge in the workforce. Sophomore Olivia Briscoe spoke next and she also detailed her internship. Working at a local naval base early in her college career gave her ample experience to supplement what she was learning in the classroom.
After listening to student speakers, visiting high school students were given an explanation of the college application process from Capitol College’s admissions representatives. A campus tour was provided to all students before a “working lunch” that allowed them to ask questions and speak with admissions representatives.
Capitol College offers a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in information assurance. Programs are designed to provide students with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to thrive in industry. Capitol College is a DHS/NSA nationally designated Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
Capitol students also have the opportunity to work in the Cyber Lab where they can simulate, detect, analyze and defeat cyber threats and hacker attacks. The hands-on education that students receive in the Cyber Lab is perfect for students looking for careers in the cybersecurity field. Many of the problems that students solve in the lab are common in industry, and prepare students for engaging careers after graduation.