DAYTON, Ohio — With cybercrime accelerating across the country, cybersecurity education is becoming more necessary at an early age.
According to the FBI, losses in the U.S. reached $12.5 billion in 2023.
Cedarville University students are hoping to help the cause through the launch of a cybersecurity camp called CedarBits.
The four-week camp starts in February for middle school students in grades six through eight where they will learn computer safety, digital security fundamentals and basic networking skills.
Camp dates are:
- Feb. 3: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 10: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Feb 17: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
CedarBits will take place in the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity in the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center.
The program was started by Cyber Leader Development Program students and will be run by Aaron Luke, a junior cyber operations major from Kearney, Nebraska; Mikhail “Misha” Semenov, a junior cyber operations major from Franklin, Ohio, and Nicholas Sheldon, a junior double-major in cyber operations and computer science from Fairfield, Ohio.
“We want to give middle schoolers a fun, hands-on introduction to cybersecurity — showing them how computers talk to each other, how ‘bad guys’ get in and how they can keep their families’ devices safe,” said Semenov. “Even if they only remember a few core ideas, they’ll walk away with a better understanding of the digital world around them.”
The camp will focus on computer and internet safety, but will also introduce students to career paths in computer science, cyber operations and information technology management
“Middle school students are at the age where they’re starting to think about the adult world and where they may fit into it,” said Seth Hamman, director of Cedarville’s Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity,. “Their curiosity gives them the chance to explore their gifts and discover new interests. Whether or not they choose to pursue formal education in cybersecurity, we hope they will benefit from their time at camp.”
Questions about the program can be sent to the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity at cybercenter@cedarville.edu.
