Job openings are expected to grow for professionals who know how to keep computer systems safe from hackers and other security threats.
Valencia Community College recognizes this and now offers a specialization in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics through its Computer Engineering Technology Associate in Science degree program.
On Friday, Valencia hosted a roundtable discussion on Cyber Security and Digital Forensics involving experts from law enforcement to banking to higher education.
The goal: To learn from industry leaders how to better train and retain highly qualified professionals for future workforce needs in Central Florida in the growing cyber security field.
Invited to Friday’s panel discussion were Luis F. Garcia, vice president, special investigations and cyber crimes, Bank of America; Kevin Stenger, sergeant, Computer Crime Squad, Orange County Sheriff’s Office; Richard Kinas, Manager of Standards Compliance, Orlando Utility Commission; Bill White, Chief Information Officer, Valencia Community College; and Tom Bower, IT consultant.
Cyber security is a challenging field because of constant change and developing new technology, panelists said.
Companies have been growing their cyber security forces because computer system breaches that results in the theft of customers’ personal information or sensitive company data can damage a company’s reputation and brand, panelists said.
Fields such as cyber security are unique in that it’s “one where you don’t have to ask for a raise,” Garcia said, explaining that companies pay such employees well to keep them from taking jobs with competing firms.
<!–For more information about the new specialization in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, visit valenciacc.edu/dfas.–>
Below is video of the announcement of the new specialization during a conference last spring:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWhF9SEXdi0
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