Cybersecurity is a fast-growing Information Communication Technology profession and major international issue. With that in mind, CSM has joined other schools in holding a Cybersecurity Summer Camp for middle school and high school students. The one-week, fast-paced, hands-on computer and network security class meets for 5 days, and is free of charge.

The attendees had the opportunity to form into teams and compete in a cybersecurity competition. Two of CSM’s teams won the cybersecurity competition among 25 teams in the Bay Area. The third CSM team got to the “finish line” soon thereafter, making CSM the first college in the Bay Area where all teams staved off the simulated cyber-threats in the allotted time!

The camp is taught by two IT professionals who have experience in network security and cybersecurity. Since 93% of employers report a gap between current and desired skills of ICT staff, this is a field which many information technology students may wish to move into. The training covers security for personal computers, personal devices and computer networks. CyberPatriot, the National Youth Cyber Education Program, runs the camp and is sponsored by the Air Force Association and the Northrup Gumman Foundation, which are indendent nonprofits.

This year, the camp filled up quickly, with 37 students in all. Students also have the option of moving onto forming teams and competing in local, regional, and national cybersecurity competitions.