We Need Cybersecurity Experts to Defend America!

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Sponsor: The Veterans Site

Hacking is a growing threat. The Department of Defense must train more cybersecurity personnel to combat it!

We Need Cybersecurity Experts to Defend America!

We live in a digital world, and with that comes the risk of hacking. As technology grows – and more people store their personal information on digital platforms – there are new and growing threats to private information, money, and security. Hackers have been on the cutting edge of technology, finding ways to steal and infiltrate before their victims know what’s happened. It’s time for the “good guys” to get ahead of the hackers.

The City Colleges of Chicago are partnering with the Department of Defense to implement cybersecurity “boot camp” curriculum programs. This new initiative will train students in advanced cybersecurity techniques, such as securing computer networks against hacking in both the public and private sector [1]. The students will train alongside active-duty military personnel, mirroring the state-of-the-art training at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.

By partnering with the Department of Defense, the City of Chicago is taking a groundbreaking step towards getting civilians trained in cybersecurity. That has the potential to fill tens of thousands of jobs. It can’t be contained to just one city, though; the Department of Defense needs to make this partnership and financial incentive available to other cities around the nation.

Hacking attacks aren’t getting any better, and they certainly aren’t going away. Instead, they have been growing in scope and frequency lately. Targets include individuals, businesses and corporations, and even government agencies [2]. A police department in Texas, for example, recently lots massive amounts of evidence stored digitally after hackers infiltrated their computer system and demanded a ransom for the files [3].

It’s time for cyber security experts to be on the forefront of technology, not the hackers, and by partnering with the Department of Defense cities and colleges can make that a reality. Sign the petition asking the Department of Defense to incentivize cybersecurity training and curriculum at more colleges around the country. It’s time we take we make security a priority!

<p>MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE</p><p>1<span data-escaped-char>.</span> Spielman, F. (2017, January 17). City Colleges forges cybersecurity training partnership with DOD. Retrieved June 01, 2017, from <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/city-colleges-forges-cybersecurity-training-partnership-with-dod/">http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/city-colleges-forges-cybersecurity-training-partnership-with-dod/</a></p><p>2<span data-escaped-char>.</span> Roeder, T. (2017, February 14). Cybersecurity Becoming a Top DoD Priority, Expert Says. Retrieved June 01, 2017, from <a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/02/14/cybersecurity-becoming-top-dod-priority-expert-says.html">http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/02/14/cybersecurity-becoming-top-dod-priority-expert-says.html</a></p><p>3<span data-escaped-char>.</span> Trahan, J. (2017, January 25). Cockrell Hill police lose years worth of evidence in ransom hacking. Retrieved June 01, 2017, from <a href="http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/cockrell-hill-police-lose-years-worth-of-evidence-in-ransom-hacking/392673232">http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/cockrell-hill-police-lose-years-worth-of-evidence-in-ransom-hacking/392673232</a></p>

The Petition

<p>To the Secretary of Defense:</p><p>As the presence and use of technology continues to permeate the daily lives of American citizens, as well as businesses, institutions, and government agencies, the threat of hacking, malware, ransomware, and other cybersecurity risks increases. For far too long the hackers have been the ones on the forefront of technology, staying one step ahead of security experts and putting our security and property at risk. It's time that the cybersecurity experts be in front of the technological curve, leaving hackers shut out from doing harm. The Department of Defense can make that a reality.</p><p>Gone are the days when digital security was limited to computers. Today everything from our mobile devices and televisions to our vehicles and appliances are digitally connected. That opens so many more doors for hackers and creates the potential for so many more cyber breaches.</p><p>The Department of Defense recently partnered with the City of Chicago – specifically the City Colleges of Chicago – to hold a cybersecurity "boot camp" training curriculum and program for students. Working alongside active-duty service members, these students will get training in advanced cybersecurity that mirrors the unprecedented cybersecurity training conducted for military personnel at Fort McNair.</p><p>By partnering with the City of Chicago, in terms of finances and resources, the Department of Defense is open the door to civilians getting the training needed to fill the cybersecurity positions our entire country needs right now. However, that sort of resource cannot be limited to one city alone.</p><p>Hackers from within the United States and from other countries around the world will continue their ever-advancing attacks against America's government agencies and national security secrets, as well as its businesses, communities, and citizens. We need the best and brightest from around the whole country given the opportunity to receive the best cybersecurity training possible to protect our digital networks in both the public and private sectors.</p><p>I ask that you create an incentive program with other cities and colleges around the nation to implement cybersecurity training and curriculum in partnership with the Department of Defense. The next great battle may be fought in cyberspace, and we need the most and best cybersecurity experts possible to keep our nation safe.</p><p>Sincerely,</p>