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Interview series with University of Maryland University College cybersecurity faculty members continues through October

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, University of Maryland University College cybersecurity faculty experts Ajay Gupta, Valorie King, and Mansur Hasib have been discussing topics related to today’s cybersecurity issues in a series of live interviews on .

Among the range of themes covered, the series provides particular insights about the opportunity that collegiate cybersecurity competition provides universities in overcoming the challenge of teaching critical thinking skills, the critical role cybersecurity education plays in developing business leaders who are capable of safeguarding their organization’s data, and the critical importance of understanding the distinction between security and cybersecurity.

Students, professionals, faculty members and the public can view the interviews and join the discussion in real-time by visiting UMUC’s .

Interview Schedule

Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.

Valorie King, Program Chair, Cybersecurity Management and Policy

Studies show that many business leaders are unaware of the extent to which cyber attacks, cybercrime, and even cyberterrorism can have an adverse impact on the success and profitability of their business efforts. Or, they may be aware of the need for cybersecurity, yet lack the specific knowledge required to communicate and collaborate with cybersecurity practitioners to ensure that the organization’s digital assets are protected from harm or loss. The bottom line is that business leaders need to understand cybersecurity at a level that makes it possible for them to effectively lead those entrusted with safeguarding their organization’s people, processes, and technologies.

Thursday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.

Mansur Hasib, Program Chair, Cybersecurity Technology

Cybersecurity is neither computer science, nor computer engineering. It is a highly interdisciplinary field where individuals from any previous background can succeed. People often equate security with cybersecurity, yet the two words are completely different. Security is a state, while cybersecurity is a process—a process powered by continuous innovation by people.  It’s important to understand the distinction because there is no such thing as absolute security anymore.

On Thursday, Sept. 28, Ajay Gupta, Program Chair, Computer Networks and Cybersecurity kicked off the series with his session, “How Skills-based Hacking Competitions Build Critical Thinking Skills”

One challenge facing colleges and universities today is their ability to achieve what has long been considered a core goal of the college experience—teaching students to think critically. One way to reinforce this skill is through collegiate cybersecurity competitions. They not only build essential real-world, hands-on technical skills in data forensics, network defense, ethical hacking and other areas, these competitions also foster collaboration and develop the critical—and quick—thinking skills needed to complete complex, often unfamiliar tasks.

Join us on during Cybersecurity Awareness Month for this series of timely interviews.