​ Rowan College of South Jersey and Rowan College of Burlington County collaborated for the third annual Cybersecurity Symposium – a full-day event dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education and addressing the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and digital defense. This event took place on Oct. 23, at 8:30 a.m. at the Cumberland Campus’s Luciano Center and was free to the public.​​

Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) and Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC) partnered for the third annual Cybersecurity Symposium, which took place on Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m. inside the Cumberland Campus's Luciano Center. This free symposium garnered participation from industry professionals, both partnered colleges, and multiple high schools, including Cumberland Regional, Gateway Regional, and Cumberland County Technical School.

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation – Hispanic Serving Institutions (NSF-HSI) at RCSJ, the event marked the first year of partnership between RCSJ and RCBC since the symposium's inception. Students and professionals were provided with the opportunity to learn about the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and digital defense.

Anthony Haddad, RCSJ Cybersecurity program chair and administrative instructor, shared, “One of the goals of the symposium is to get the local community to [know] we are here. The symposium is [also] focused on high schools and students who want to get involved in cybersecurity." 

This year's symposium garnered approximately 125 attendees, 100 of whom were students. The event included presentations in breakout rooms, interactive workshops, and a student gamification activity – capture the flag. This activity was designed to be a stepping stone for students, introducing them to cybersecurity concepts.

“We made [the gamification activity] more friendly versus more technical," Haddad clarified. “Because we have some high school students, we don't want to put them through something they have no knowledge of yet. We introduce them to things that can just increase their awareness..."

Paul Warner, RCBC Cybersecurity Program chair and assistant professor, described how having students at the event was important: “The more we get to share what cybersecurity is all about with the community, it's a great thing. We have the next generation of kids here that are going to take this forward."

The symposium also provided high school students with information on RCSJ's High School Option Program (HSOP), which allows students to take college courses at RCSJ while still enrolled in high school, giving them a head start on a promising career path.

“It's just getting the information out to them, because a lot of the students aren't really aware of these things," Warner continued. “Just giving them the opportunity to know that, hey, this is available to them."

During the panel discussion, students asked questions that focused on cybersecurity job opportunities, including pathways students can pursue to enter the cybersecurity field.

“There are absolutely many paths to the industry," said Jeff Frye, panelist, and network & security administrator at RCSJ. Frye explained to attendees that beyond a traditional path through higher education, there are alternatives to start working in the industry through certifications, self-startups, and even joining the armed forces.

Bernie Castro, panelist and executive director of IT at RCSJ, explained, “For us, it's about exposing the students – getting them to understand what they need to do every step of the way."

The panel discussion also addressed how advancements in AI have impacted the field of cybersecurity.

“AI and cybersecurity go hand-in-hand nowadays," said Castro. “... It's good to bring that up and expose these students to that world."

Warner discussed how the developments of AI have been necessary in the world of cybersecurity: “It's integral to the industry, both for offense and defense. Almost every single cyber tool that's out there today uses AI."

Students from the event also revealed what they learned during their time at the symposium. Brenner T., Gateway Regional High School student, shared, “We learned that your first step to cybersecurity is creating your own wireless internet to separate guests that come into your house from your own family."

Another Gateway Regional student, Devin F., added, “Ninety-nine percent of cyber-attacks are from humans."

As the event ended, panelists prompted students on how cybersecurity starts by staying informed and being aware of emerging trends.

“Cybersecurity starts with them," concluded Warner. “It starts with you. You have to protect you... It always starts with the individual."

For those interested in learning more about RCSJ's Cybersecurity Program, visit RCSJ.edu/STEM/Cybersecurity-AS-Cumberland​.