Data Privacy & Security Service
Issue 11
CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS IN BOCES SCHOOLS
Rockland BOCES and Erie 1 BOCES are preparing their students for future careers in cyber- security with Rockland’s Cyber Technology program and Erie 1’s Cybersecurity and Net- working program. They are two of only four BOCES that are offering a cybersecurity fo- cused curriculum throughout NY State.
Kim Bell, Principal of Rockland BOCES wanted to offer a STEM/computer related program while preparing students for a growing cybersecurity job market. John Wodjeski, Principal of Erie 1 BOCES, also recognized the growing market for cybersecurity jobs and added cybersecurity to their networking program about five years ago. Both Rockland and Erie 1 BOCES have seen enrollment increase once cybersecurity was added to their technology programs. Stu- dents learn about networking, hardware, multiple operating systems and various cybersecurity topics. The programs teach stu- dents how to identify vulnerabilities within a variety of operating systems and networks, then the students work to eliminate them using different techniques. The curriculum also addresses identifying and removing Malware and Spyware. Students have the opportunity to attain a variety of certifications, including A+, TestOut, Netplus, and CCNA. Erie 1 BOCES also offers a Kali Linux Pen Testing certification for advanced Kali Linux users. Rockland BOCES collaborates with Rockland Community College in an articulation agreement that grants students six college credits aligned to a certification exam. Students also compete in cybersecurity competitions. Rockland BOCES students compete against college and graduate level stu- dents in the National Cyber League (NCL), a collegiate cyber competition, to prove their mastery of cybersecurity skills in real world scenarios. Erie 1 BOCES students compete in the Cyber Patriot National Youth Cyber Defense competition in association with the U.S. Air Force. Teams compete head to head with other US teams to find and patch vulnerabilities. For example, teams may need to restrict access of one user to protect the network. To prepare students for tech careers, Erie 1 BOCES offers real world job training opportunities. Their school-based business tech desk utilizes an in-house “Geek Squad” of students who repair various devices for clients with instructor guidance. There is also a three-week professional internship opportunity for seniors, with some internships taking place within the Western New York Re- gional Information Center, their home district IT departments, or local businesses. Both principals attribute much of the success of these programs to their talented instructors. Mr. Wodjieski credits Erie 1 BOCES’ two full-time energetic, knowledgeable and adaptable instructors Raphael Estrada and Joe McNamara. Estrada helps the stu- dents whenever opportunities arise and makes sure they are having fun while they learn. Ms. Bell likewise praises their Rockland BOCES instructors. Alberto Rodriguez has degrees in Cybersecurity and Engineering, along with 10 years of experience as an IT professional who brings out the best in his students. In addition, Kaitlin Bestenheider offers a fresh holistic approach to teaching cybersecurity and works to promote women in Cyber Technology. She also coaches the stu- dents in the National Cyber League competitions. We hope these BOCES programs encourage more BOCES and districts to offer cybersecurity programs in the near future.
CRASH COURSE ON YOUTUBE
The Crash Course YouTube Channel offers tons of awe- some courses! Carrie Anne Philbin teaches computer science, including courses on Cybersecurity, Hackers and Cyberattacks. Use this link to view their Computer Science courses and click to play the video for the Cybersecurity course.
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