Weeklong event, in addition to a June 24 webinar with ESET North America about cyber security careers, reflects University’s commitment to STEM training
San Diego, Calif. – June 19, 2015 – National University, the only institution in San Diego County designated by the federal government as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cyber defense education, will host 50 middle and high school students during the 2015 San Diego Cyber Cup Boot Camp from June 22-26. The event is organized by Securing Our eCity Foundation in coordination with community partners, including ESET North America.
The students participating in the boot camp are from top teams that competed at the San Diego Mayor’s Cyber Cup in March. The students now have the opportunity to undergo intensive cyber security training during the week-long event at the Kearny Mesa campus of National University, the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California. The students will practice computer defense and system penetration in a secure environment called “The War Room.” The fifty students will also meet on-site and off-site with cyber security experts working in public security, utilities and government agencies.
A report released at this year’s RSA Security Conference predicts a global shortfall of 1.5 million suitably qualified information security professionals by 2020. Initiatives such as the San Diego Cyber Boot Camp and National University’s own cyber security program aim to address these needs.
“We are pleased to be hosting the Cyber Boot Camp this year at National University since we believe it’s important for higher education to support this critical need to help identify and encourage young people to consider STEM and cyber security careers,” said John Cicero, dean of the School of Engineering and Computing at National University.
The San Diego Cyber Boot Camp is organized by Securing Our eCity Foundation, and is made possible by ESET North America, T-Mobile and National University. The participating students are from the following schools: Ramona High School; Mira Mesa High School; Westview High School; Robert F. Kennedy Middle School; Troy High School; Canyon Crest Academy; Robert F. Kennedy High School; Del Norte High School.
Also next week, ESET and National University is teaming up to offer a free webinar June 24 on “Cybersecurity: The Millenium’s Hot Career.” National University’s Chris Simpson, lead faculty for the University’s cyber security program, will lead the discussion, which includes a Q&A.
National University’s status as a “National Center of Academic Excellence” in cyber defense was recently approved for an additional five years by The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The designation recognizes the university’s quality program, which is also offered online, in teaching both theory and the hands-on skills needed to identify and defend against cyber threats. National University is one of just eight higher educational institutions in California that has earned the designation.
About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.
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Anna Cearley
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