From hackers to cyberbullies, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting technology-hungry teenagers.
To combat the growing problem, The University of Toledo College of Engineering is hosting a free one-week workshop to teach local high school students about the risks and threats associated with smartphones, tablets and other technology, as well as provide cybersecurity training to encourage careers in computer science and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity and computer programming experience are not required to participate in the workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, in the North Engineering building. Free lunch, snacks and parking will be provided.
During the summer camp, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, participants will gain hands-on experience and learn how to keep themselves safe on the internet. They also will write computer programs to learn smartphone app development, which, in turn, will lead to understanding of the inner working of these apps and security issues associated with them.
Faculty from UToledo and Purdue University Northwest will be on-site to provide interactive, animated visualizations to help students understand cybersecurity threats, defense and prevention mechanisms.
“With an increase in online presence and use of social media apps among teenagers, there has been a rise in cases of internet-related crimes against teenagers,” said Dr. Ahmad Javaid, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Paul A. Hotmer Cybersecurity and Teaming Research (CSTAR) Lab. “Through this camp, we aim to introduce teenagers to cybersecurity, related online dangers and practices that may help them stay safe in the cyber world.”
The deadline to register is Friday, June 17. Register on the event website.
