BOISE, Idaho — It is becoming harder and harder to keep personal information safe in the digital world. It is more important than ever to teach the next generation the importance of data security.
A new cybersecurity competition kicked off Wednesday, working in part with Governor Brad Little's partnership for cybersecurity training. The competition is put on by Girls Go Cybersmart, which has been around since 2017 but this is its first year in Idaho.
The program is supported by the Idaho National Laboratory and the STEM Action Center. Much like those CSI and forensic shows you see on TV, it teaches students about hacking prevention and data security.
"Keeping everything from transportation systems, to water supply to health care, keeping those systems safe and our data safe and secure, and it's these types of programs that will spark that interest and awareness that students can then continue forward with their education and potentially into a career in cybersecurity," said Angela Hemingway, the executive director of the Idaho STEM Action Center.
In the next few weeks, we'll introduce you to a few students competing and show you what kinds of ideas they are coming up with.
