Today, we are more interconnected than ever before. Yet, for all its advantages, increased connectivity brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we are reminded that we must continue to educate and engage the next generation of cyber workers to protect against evolving cyber threats and meet the growing technological needs of government and industry. As part of this effort, I had the pleasure of discussing the future of cyber education in America with public and private sector partners at an event yesterday in Mountain View, Calif., sponsored by our partners at the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Churchill Club of Silicon Valley.
At DHS, we are committed to building and sustaining a world-class cybersecurity team by hiring a diverse group of cyber professionals and offering them opportunities to acquire new skills and grow as professionals. To that end, Secretary Napolitano introduced the Cybersecurity Workforce Initiative, an effort to recruit and train highly-specialized cybersecurity professionals with experience in information technology, computer science, network and computer engineering, information assurance, and program management.
Through the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education, DHS works with schools and universities to attract top talent and build a cadre of cybersecurity professionals through competitive scholarships, fellowships, internship programs, and other student opportunities. We are also offering a variety of other training and professional development opportunities, including:
- The Secretary's Honors Program for Cybersecurity Professionals, a two-year program that allows cyber professionals to participate in rotational assignments at various DHS component agencies to learn how each addresses cyber-related issues unique to their specific mission
- The Emerging Leaders in Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, a recruiting effort to encourage students from the nation's top graduate programs to pursue careers in public service
- The Cybersecurity Internship Program, designed to give current students an opportunity to work alongside cyber leaders at the DHS
- Certification of more than 125 institutions nationwide as National Centers for Academic Excellence to teach students valuable technical skills in various disciplines of Information Assurance
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play. Emerging cyber threats require the engagement of the entire society—from government and law enforcement to the private sector and most importantly, members of the public. We hope you’ll join our efforts to protect the nation’s critical assets. Click here to learn more about cybersecurity education at DHS.
Last Updated: 10/21/2021