CPaCE News

As the world has steadily shifted online this century—and particularly during the past year—cybersecurity has become more important than ever. For example, in April 2021, Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S., was forced to shut down delivery operations for several days because of a single compromised password that was leaked on the dark web. That massive cyberattack was followed by another one in June 2021, when CNBC reported on a ransomware attack on JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company, that disrupted production across North American and Australia.

Schools are also highly susceptible to cyberattacks. There was an August 2020 incident at Cal State Northridge, when hackers used ransomware to steal student account data; and the Newhall School District cancelled remote classes when their learning system was compromised on September 15, 2020—ironically on National Online Learning Day.

In response to these increasingly sophisticated attacks, cybersecurity experts utilize a specialized set of skills to understand how hackers operate, and what types of defenses can be built against them. These skills are taught in CSULB’s Cybersecurity programs, offered in partnership with HackerU. Led by instructors who are leading professionals in the industry, students practice real-world scenarios in virtual network environments, preparing to become front-line guardians of sensitive data. No previous experience in IT or computers is necessary. In less than a year, students can start from scratch, learn the basics, progress to in-depth training, and eventually become qualified for entry-level cybersecurity positions.

At the end of each program, HackerU also provides comprehensive Career Services for assistance in job and internship placements. The support offered by Career Services was essential for recent graduate David Vuong, who attended resume critique sessions and mock interviews while he prepped for the exams and certifications needed to pursue a new line of work. HackerU Career Services consultants DeRon Jenkins and Kim Black assisted David in achieving his goals to make a major career transition from secondary school instructor to cybersecurity analyst.

“[Kim] assisted me with setting action-oriented goals,” David said. “Her high expectations and actionable feedback motivated me to expand my job search criterion. The most consequential suggestion that she gave me was to format my resume to highlight my achievements in the program, as well as with my previous career.”

Not long after he completed his Cybersecurity course in January 2021, David obtained a sought-after position as a Security Analyst. Now, he works with a team at a local company to solve cybersecurity problems and keep his organization’s networks safe from prying eyes.

“I felt that they hired me based on the skills that I acquired from the program,” David said.

David is just one of many recent graduates of the CSULB/HackerU programs who are working with a wide variety of private corporations and government agencies to ensure that the necessary protections are in place for those who need it—because it’s not a matter of if, but when, hackers will strike next.

Click here to learn more about the Cybersecurity program at CSULB.