Kyrie Frith, a 17-year-old from Alabama, discovered her passion for cybersecurity through shows like “Law & Order” and “Bones.” After taking an introductory cybersecurity class at Lincoln High School, she joined an all-girls team that outperformed adult and college competitors in a statewide competition. Inspired by her success, Frith realized that creativity plays a crucial role in solving encryption challenges.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is high, with an estimated 8,000 unfilled positions in Alabama alone, and 750,000 nationwide. To bridge this gap, Talladega County Schools, in collaboration with Digital Promise, has initiated cybersecurity courses to guide high school students toward cyber and network security careers. This program aims to provide equitable education and career opportunities for students in a predominantly rural district.
In its second year, the initiative has taught over 200 students about cyber problem-solving, data analysis, and incident response. Brian Kelly, the information technology teacher at Lincoln High, encourages students to think like adversaries to understand cybersecurity better. With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, the need for experts is more urgent than ever.
The program has a focus on ethical training, emphasizing the responsibility of young learners in using their skills positively. Experts like Ira Lacy highlight the importance of early education in helping students acquire certifications and advance in the cybersecurity field.
Moreover, efforts to encourage female participation in cybersecurity have gained momentum, making the field feel more approachable for girls. Frith, who hopes to pursue a career in digital forensics, shared how her involvement in the all-girls team has not only empowered her but also motivated peers to join the cybersecurity path.
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nbcuacademy.com
