PROFILES IN INNOVATION


One on One continues


strategies for problem-solving, and risk management. Others focus not on the technologies but on the people side of the cyber security equation; design for usability, incentivizing good prac- tice, and facilitating good decision-making are examples. Other examples are good communication skills, an appreciation of the role of ethical frameworks, and the ability to design effective training and education programs. You can see from this list that good cyber security professionals are really very well-rounded individuals.


USBE&IT: What should schools be doing to prepare students for careers in cyber security? What should students who aspire to work in that area be doing?


First and foremost, students need to be aware that careers in cyber security even exist. Part of our cyber security awareness campaign is to increase the number of educators, career counselors and parents who are not only aware of the value of cyber security, but also of the excit- ing opportunities in the field. For example, our National Cyber Security Awareness Month events in October engaged organizations like the National Science Teachers As- sociation, bringing educators and cyber security professionals in direct contact. The president’s Educate to Innovate campaign is designed to increase STEM literacy so that all students can learn deeply and think critically in science, technology, engineering, and math. These students will be well prepared for careers in many areas, including cyber security. For students who want to become involved in cyber security today, there are many possibilities. These include exciting nationwide and local cyber security challenges, competitions, and summer camps held each year. U.S. Cyber Challenge is an example; it’s supported by the Department of Defense and holds competitions and challenges for students at the high school level and above. Another opportu- nity for students of all ages to get involved is to lead Internet safety initiatives within their community by volunteering through the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Cyber Security Awareness Volunteer Education Project (C-SAVE). Information on this program can be found at the www.staysafeonline.com website.


8 USBE&IT I WINTER 2010


USBE&IT: What are the opportunities for private contractors in this area? What would they need to bring to the table to be successful? The federal government relies significantly on contractors for meeting its own security needs and on partnerships with the private sector for meeting shared security goals. These needs are projected to continue to increase. So, what does the suc- cessful contractor need? Among the key factors is the capability for innovation. This is reflected in the president’s cyberspace policy review, released in May 2009, which highlights encour- aging innovation as one of its pillars. Technology in the digital age advances quickly and cyber security capabilities must meet or exceed that pace. Com- panies that can set the pace by rewarding creativity and innovation, adopting new tech- nologies, providing continuing training and education for their employees, and rewarding the best and the brightest will be in good position to succeed.


Educational programs are expanding to meet the demand for a diverse and dynamic cyber security workforce.


USBE&IT: What is the government doing to help attract people to cyber security careers? Does the federal gov- ernment hire interns in this area?


We’ve just recently launched the National Initiative for Cyber Security Education, or NICE. The initiative is designed to promote public awareness; to work with local, state, and national educational and private sector organizations on formal education needs; to ensure a cyber-capable workforce; and to provide for high-quality training and certification programs. The initiative is led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology with participation from agencies and departments across the federal government. More information is available on the NIST website. Among the activities under the NICE initiative is the Scholarship for Service program run by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. The program provides scholarships for educational costs, room and board, and a stipend for students at participating educational institutions. In exchange, students then work for the federal government in a paid cyber security position for a period equivalent to the length of the scholarship. The program has produced a cohort of remarkable cyber security professionals working today in both the public and private sec- tors. 


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