Cybersecurity Curricular Initiatives: A Special Invitation Poster Presentation: CUE 2016 National Conference

Increases in data breaches and regulatory compliance are driving the need for cyber security managers and technicians to fill positions that did not exist several years ago. To support the requirements of an ever-growing cyber security workforce, Cyber Security and Information Assurance Master of Science (CSIA) Team One, cohort 14, identified a global need for basic education in cyber security. This is partly because there is not enough interest in cyber security by K-12 students. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in America is designed to focus on developing scientists and engineers, not cyber security specialists. K-12 educators are not adequately trained in cyber security and they remain focused on teaching traditional STEM subjects.The new supplemental curriculum provides for lessons to be introduced during the 2016-2017 school year, and will focus on defensive cyber security basics that could be used as a collaborative pilot program in local San Diego middle and high schools. One sample unit would be introduced into the curriculum.This instruction is subject to continuous improvement by future cohorts, and is meant to bridge the educational gap and prepare students to participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) events, certification, or to encourage degree work at a community college. Long-range employment plans could be a goal as well.  S. Fleisher/J. Hearn