The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), in partnership with the Mississippi Coding Academies and the City of Biloxi, is creating a facility to train students in software development and cybersecurity.
The facility will prepare adults re-entering the workforce, veterans, and recent high school graduates for entry-level cybersecurity industry certification. Experienced software development and cybersecurity practitioners will provide training.
“As the cyber threat vector grows, there will be increasing demand for computer programmers who possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in digital security,” Director of the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at USM, Dr. Sarah Lee, said.
She also remarked that the entry-level certification can serve as an alternative to a college diploma in gaining employment.
Increasing Cybersecurity Threats
US Representative Steven Palazzo emphasized recent cybersecurity breaches, especially in higher education, to illustrate the importance of such a training facility.
He stated that the skills students learn will help them protect the country by honing crucial digital security skills.
Earlier this month, Des Moines Area Community College in central Iowa warned its teachers and staff against using computers following a security breach. The school, however, clarified that there is no proof yet that the attack compromised student or employee information.
The University of Colorado also disclosed in February that a serious cyberattack on its software likely compromised the personal data of students, faculty, and staff members. The breach reportedly targeted vulnerabilities in the file sharing software provided by a California-based cloud solutions company.