Expanded nationally: Cybersecurity education program for K-12 schools run by CISA

The Cyber Innovation Center's initiative, Cyber.org, is set to make a significant impact on the understaffed cybersecurity industry by expanding its virtual education program, Cyber.org Range, to all 50 states. This move comes in response to the increasing global need for cybersecurity professionals, with over 3.4 million positions yet to be filled according to the 2022 (ICS)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.

Originally launched in Louisiana, Cyber.org Range has already prepared participants from more than 30 U.S. states for the CompTIA Security+ Exam. The program, primarily designed for high school students, provides hands-on learning experiences, teaching troubleshooting best practices through simulated cyberattacks in a virtual environment.

The expansion of Cyber.org was announced by CISA Director Jen Easterly on Monday. The program has already been successful in schools like Lakota Local Schools in Ohio, where over 400 students have completed at least one class. Some of these students have gone on to study cybersecurity in college, while others have entered the field as professionals upon high school graduation.

Superintendent Matt Miller at Lakota Local Schools launched a program four years ago to prepare high school students for college programs and jobs with security certifications. Miller emphasises the importance of early cyber education, stating that preparation for future cyber threats should start today.

Jen Easterly echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of early cyber education for national security and future cybersecurity professionals. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's K-12 education initiative is going national with the help of Cyber.org.

Cyber.org Range's expansion is funded by CISA's Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program grant. The program aims to address the understaffed cybersecurity industry by providing accessible and engaging cybersecurity education to students across the United States.

As the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions nationwide stands at over 750,000 according to CISA, the need for programs like Cyber.org Range is more pressing than ever. By preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Cyber.org is taking a significant step towards closing the global workforce gap.

Expanded nationally: Cybersecurity education program for K-12 schools run by CISA