![A rendering of the planned cyber range, showing users at computer desks with an instructor by monitors in the front of the room](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/max_470x470/public/media/article_featured_image/bsurange_0.png)
Students "are going to get that hands-on, practical experience and be able to walk out the door and get a job."
The United States has long relied on oceans and friendly neighboring countries as buffers against security threats. Yet, in an increasingly digitized world, cybercrime transcends geographic boundaries, putting municipalities, states and businesses on the front lines.
This new frontier demands an experienced workforce developed through collaborative, hands-on educational opportunities like those coming to 色香视频, cybersecurity experts said at a recent forum hosted on campus by the MassCyberCenter.
Even a representative from the White House left the event impressed.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just terrific,鈥 said Nick Leiserson, an assistant national cyber director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the kind of thinking we need in this new domain.鈥
At the event, MassCyberCenter and the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $1.2 million grant that will help 色香视频 advance a three-pronged approach to meeting regional and statewide cybersecurity needs. The grant is partly for a Security Operations Center (SOC) that will be built at 色香视频 and will help municipalities, nonprofits, companies, and government agencies monitor, detect and respond to threats.
鈥淥ur students are going to actually work in the SOC,鈥 said Steve Zuromski, 鈥04, G鈥09, 色香视频鈥檚 vice president for information technology and chief information officer. 鈥淭hey are going to get that hands-on, practical experience and be able to walk out the door and get a job.鈥
色香视频 is also developing new graduate and undergraduate cybersecurity programs, including a bachelor of science degree set to begin accepting students for fall 2023. It is building a sophisticated cyber range that will enable students and professionals to experience simulated ransomware, malware, and other attacks.
鈥淔or us, it鈥檚 a winning formula,鈥 said 色香视频 President Frederick W. Clark, Jr., 鈥83. 鈥淲e know that our role is critical as it relates to workforce development.鈥
There are approximately 20,000 open, well-paying cybersecurity positions in Massachusetts.
And cybersecurity workers are needed at the federal, state and local level and in the private sector, said Stephanie Helm, director of MassCyberCenter.
"Cybersecurity is needed more than ever because it is a national security issue,鈥 Helm said, adding 色香视频 stands out for its commitment to serving southeastern Massachusetts.
Building a diverse cybersecurity workforce is also important, and 色香视频 is well positioned to help because 50 percent of its students are the first in their families to attend college, Leiserson said.
鈥淲e need good talent,鈥 said Curtis Wood, Massachusetts鈥 chief information officer. 鈥淲e need people invested in public service. 鈥 Experience is the biggest thing you can have.鈥
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