Cybersecurity education is an investment

In an era where digital interconnectivity is not just prevalent but essential, the need for robust cybersecurity education in Connecticut schools has never been more critical. As we navigate through an increasingly digital world, the line between our virtual and physical lives continues to blur. This transformation underscores the urgency for a comprehensive cybersecurity education starting from the school level, to prepare our younger generations for the challenges of tomorrow.

Cyber threats are no longer confined to the realms of large corporations or government institutions; they have pervaded every aspect of our digital existence. From online bullying to identity theft, our children are exposed to various digital risks daily. The recent surge in cyber-attacks targeting educational institutions in Connecticut and across the nation further highlights this vulnerability. It’s a stark reminder that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, but a fundamental life skill.

The integration of cybersecurity education in Connecticut schools should not be seen as an optional add-on but as a necessary component of the curriculum. It’s about equipping students with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities in the digital world. This goes beyond teaching safe online practices; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of the digital ecosystem, data privacy, and the ethical implications of technology.

Moreover, cybersecurity education is not just about defense; it’s also about opportunity. The field of cybersecurity is rapidly growing, offering a wide range of career paths. By introducing students to this field early, Connecticut can cultivate a homegrown workforce adept in cybersecurity, fueling both the state’s economy and the nation’s digital defense.

To achieve this vision, Connecticut must take actionable steps:

Develop a Statewide Cybersecurity Curriculum: The Department of Education in Connecticut should work with cybersecurity experts to develop a standardized, age-appropriate curriculum. This curriculum should be comprehensive, covering topics from basic digital hygiene to more advanced concepts like data encryption and ethical hacking.

Train and Recruit Qualified Educators: The success of this initiative hinges on the availability of qualified teachers. Investing in training programs for current educators and incentivizing cybersecurity professionals to transition into teaching roles is crucial. Partnerships with universities and cybersecurity firms can facilitate this expertise exchange.

Provide Equal Access to Cybersecurity Resources: Ensuring that all schools, regardless of their socio-economic status, have equal access to cybersecurity education resources is vital. This can be achieved through state funding, public-private partnerships, and grants that enable schools to procure necessary hardware, software, and educational materials.

The challenge is substantial. Many schools in Connecticut, especially in underserved areas, lack the resources and trained faculty to incorporate a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum. This disparity not only widens the digital divide but also leaves many students ill-prepared for a digitized future. Thus, it becomes imperative for state policymakers, educational institutions, and industry leaders to collaborate in developing and implementing effective cybersecurity education programs.

As Connecticut strides forward in the digital age, the incorporation of cybersecurity education in schools is not just an educational reform; it is an investment in our state’s and our nation’s future. By empowering our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital landscape, we are not only safeguarding their individual futures but also fortifying our collective digital future.

JOHN BREUNIG

Everything about selfdescribed “light artist” Kari Kola is original. So it feels wrong to begin and end a column about him with cliches.

Still, he is creating his latest work because 10year-old Chloe Clementina solved her father’s dilemma in trying to bring a winter art exhibit to Stamford’s Mill River Park.

“Wait Dad, you can do this,” she told Community Curator Fernando Luis Alvarez. “You need to get an artist who uses light.”

Yes, a light bulb went off over their heads (there’s that first cliché).

Kola’s creation, “Prelude,” will debut at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25. It’s free to all, but true to the ephemeral spirit of Kola’s art, the window to see it will close to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. The path to experience it will begin across from the Hampton Inn, 26 Mill River St.

He says he is striving to “combine different parts of the city to create a different kind of space.” It has the potential to turn the park into a symbolic beacon, a sort of lighthouse on the mainland.

Even those four nights in Stamford are considerably longer than one of his signature works, when he became the first (and only) artist to use Stonehenge as a canvas.

I can’t stifle the thought from leaving my brain: “Who does that?”

“Only me,” he replies wryly.

The overnight illumination of Stonehenge lasted for a mere two hours and 15 minutes, and was seen by only about two dozen people,