Rowan College at Burlington County celebrated Cybersecurity Month with a demonstration by its award-winning student cybersecurity team and an announcement of several new initiatives – including $1.4 million in grant funding – to enhance the college’s network security and strengthen partnerships that will increase opportunities for students in this growing field.
Cybersecurity students, including those who were on RCBC’s team that placed among the top six and first among community colleges in a national competition, demonstrated how hackers attempt to break into networks and how they can stop them.
“The threat of cyber attacks is always present, and I’m so impressed with the skills that Rowan College at Burlington County students possess to help protect vital digital infrastructure,” said Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell, who attended the demonstration. “Our future is in good hands and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners congratulates these students, and the college, for both a strong academic program and for securing state and national grants aimed at strengthening the college’s network and enhancing employment opportunities in this critically important field.”
The college received two key cybersecurity grants in recent months:
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$1 million from the N.J. Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund will upgrade and improve computer networks and Wi-Fi and make them faster and more secure.
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$400,000 from the National Science Foundation as part of a multi-college consortium aiming to strengthen partnerships among colleges and employers in emerging technological fields starting with cybersecurity. The effort also strives to boost diversity in these fields.
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The N.J. Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell accepted RCBC into the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program that helps public institutions manage and reduce systemic cyber risk.
“Our lives are entirely dependent on technology with many malintents trying to wreak havoc and steal our information and resources,” said RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce. “I commend our students and faculty for continuing to push themselves in this critically important field. I also thank the faculty and staff who worked so hard on securing resources that will enhance the college’s infrastructure and form partnerships that will increase opportunities for underrepresented communities in this career path.”