|
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education |
|
Welcome to the summer 2021 issue of the NICE eNewsletter. I am thrilled to be introducing this issue -- and myself -- to you all. My name is Karen Wetzel, and I joined the NICE team in the fall of 2020 as Manager of the NICE Framework. I’ve already had the opportunity to meet with many of you and look forward to continuing our conversations, hearing your suggestions, and learning about your successes with the NICE Framework.
In this edition, our featured article focuses on a hot topic: the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. As AI has shifted from an emerging area of computing to one that is ubiquitous in our lives, having cybersecurity expertise to anticipate and address potential risks in this area is essential. As we learn in this issue, a key to ensuring that expertise is integrating cybersecurity content into AI education.
Next, the Framework in Focus is a great read as we hear from Santi Kiran, Security Control Assessor at NIST. Ms. Kiran discusses her current role, the path that led her to this position, the broad variety of cybersecurity-related positions, and more.
Finally, we have three great spotlights in this issue. Our Academic Spotlight focuses on an exciting effort from the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program to help students find STEM internships, scholarships, and other training opportunities at federal agencies. In the Government Spotlight, you’ll learn about the National Governors Association (NGA) launch of the 2021 Policy Academy to Advance Whole-of-State Cybersecurity. The Industry Spotlight highlights Cloud Range’s efforts to improve hiring by offering simulation-based assessments that allow candidates to demonstrate capabilities tied to the NICE Framework.
I know you will enjoy reading through this issue, and I look forward to continued conversations based on the insights shared here.
Karen A. Wetzel
Manager, NICE Framework
|
|
|
Integrating Cybersecurity into
Artificial Intelligence Education
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an increasingly critical component of not only the computing environment but also society as a whole, it is essential to identify the vulnerabilities of AI systems and to safeguard them from unintended and malicious uses. The relevance of cybersecurity expertise to AI has never been more clear, but this connection is largely lacking within computing education. AI and cybersecurity are considered distinct areas of advanced student learning and associated courses are typically upper-division electives. Students who specialize in AI likely learn little about cybersecurity, and vice versa. However, new efforts at University of Colorado Boulder aim to change that.
|
|
|
A profile of a cybersecurity practitioner to illustrate
application of the NICE Framework
Santi Kiran, Security Control Assessor
This issue’s interview is with Santi Kiran, Security Control Assessor at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Ms. Kiran discusses her career path and how it led her to her current position, the wide variety of cybersecurity-related positions that exist, and the importance of certifications to her career and continuous learning, among other topics.
Organization: National Institute for Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce
Category: Securely Provision
Work Role: Security Control Assessor
Academic Degrees: B.A., Criminology and Criminal Justice; M.S., Cybersecurity Policy; MBA
Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
|
|
|
By Dr. Diana Weber, Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator, National Coordination Office (NCO), Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD)
Discover a newly released STEM portal from Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) that helps students, educators, postdoctoral fellows, and early career researchers search for internships, scholarships, and other training opportunities at federal agencies.
|
By Debbie Gordon, CEO, Cloud Range
Job experience and industry standard certifications do not necessarily indicate whether a candidate is able to perform in a new work environment with different threat vectors. To allow candidates to perform as they would on the job, Cloud Range established simulation-based assessment exercises that mimic actual work roles as defined by the NICE Framework.
|
By John Guerriero, Cybersecurity Policy Analyst, National Governors Association
The National Governors Association recently selected five states - Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and Washington - to participate in the 2021 Policy Academy to Advance Whole-of-State Cybersecurity. The center will work with the states to develop and implement strategic action plans to improve their cybersecurity postures.
|
|
|
Affiliated Programs
The 8th annual Community College Cyber Summit (3CS), the only national academic conference focused on cybersecurity education at community colleges, will take place in person November 5-7, 2021, at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Students will have an opportunity to interact with cybersecurity professionals in industry, faculty, and government to gain a deeper understanding of the variety of cybersecurity careers and needs.
Funded Projects
GenCyber summer 2021 camps are in full swing with 160 camps in 44 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. They have already started their programs or will begin within the next few weeks.
NICE Community Coordinating Council
Join the NICE Community Coordinating Council (NICE Community), which was established to provide a mechanism in which public and private sector participants can develop concepts, design strategies, and pursue actions that advance cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development. Sign up today!
|
|
|
|
|
