SecureHigh: Empowering the next generation Cybersecurity professionals.ONR White Paper Tracking Number: 22-000004598
Abstract
Problem Statement: There is a significant scarcity of cybersecurity professionals, with over 750,000 open positions in the US. The capacity to produce defensive expertise is inadequate, while the capacity to attack is highly scalable, with AI automating novel attacks. Current defensive training is limited in its ability to prepare for advanced adversaries, and we need experiential learning programs to develop workforces capable of handling novel situations and methods. Furthermore, most high-school students do not receivecybersecurity education, and existing programs are not engaging or motivating. Also, the distributed nature of the cyber environment offers an opportunity to tap into diverse and underserved communities, which has not been fully utilized. Solution Objectives and Anticipated Outcome:iZen proposes to create a cybersecurity training program called SecureHigh to address these challenges, by (1) Developing an experiential learning program in Cybersecurity, to promote thinking, analyzing, and solving cyber problems, and to increase cybersecurity awareness. (2) Promoting Cybersecurity as a profession, to help students gain a clear understanding of cybersecurity roles and contemplate pursuing them as a potential career path. (3) Focusing on high-school students (beginner-level), and making it engaging and scalable. (4) Expanding access by leveraging iZen#s learning platform which can be used for online and off-grid learning. It can also be accessed on smart mobile devices. (5) Providing accessible content. With this approach, we can reach a broader and more diverse range of learners.Technical Approach:The SecureHigh program will have the following components to achieve these goals: (1) Experiential Learning: Leverage cyber-exercises to provide students with hands-on experience in defending against real-world cyber-attacks, and use scenario-based games that recreate real-world environments, and challenges. Also, use group work, collaboration, industry casestudies, and problem-solving to promote active learning and engagement. (2) Career pathways: Introduce the learners to cybersecurity careers, discuss the job responsibilities and skills required for different cybersecurity career paths, share real-world examples of cybersecurity incidents and how cybersecurity professionals responded to them, and Scenario games playing job roles, to be illustrative of cybersecurity professionals. (3) DEIA: Leverage iZen#s existing learning platform that will seamlessly deliver eLearning with or without Internet/computers/infrastructure-power. Added with accessible content, we will reach learners whoare missing such opportunities.Impact on DoD Capabilities:The SecureHigh program will have significant benefits to the Navy and other DoD components: (1) Provide experiential cybersecurity training that prepares our military personnel and related civilians for novel attacks and situations. (2) Give #access# to multi-modal digital training, leveraging the iZen-LEAP-device, which can deliver eLearning seamlessly with/without the Internet/computers, and also on mobile devices. This will especially be helpful for personnel who are sailing or in remote areas. (3) Use this solution and its underlying technologies in disaster situations, for training and reference. (4) Available to everyone, regardless of their location or background, including military-connected students, veterans, under-served communities, women, and minorities, for awareness or to build a career in cybersecurity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312664
Entities
People
- Laxmish Bhat
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy