An Integrated System for Connecting Cybersecurity Competency, Student Activities and Career Building

Abstract

AbstractFor educators, preparing students who are able to solve cybersecurity problems requires not only a curriculum that provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge but also activities that develop their skills and competencies to solve problems that call for an interdisciplinary approach. To facilitate this process, we have developed a system called Cyberpassport, which integrates students’ academic and career goals with cybersecurity co-curricular activities. This system is designed for students to search and register for cybersecurity activities, and track their own progress, for advisors to support their mentoring efforts, and for activity hosts such as faculty members or industry professionals to facilitate connection with interested students. Usability testing was conducted to test the application’s functionality as well as user experience and interest. Preliminary results indicate that users found the system easy to use and beneficial for a career in cybersecurity. Furthermore, this is the first mobile events app developed that aligns with the skills and competencies defined by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) cybersecurity workforce framework.KeywordsCybersecurity educationCompetencyWorkforceUsability