The federal government is taking on cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks like never before. Now widely viewed as a national security threat, President Biden recently launched an initiative to address the dangers of ransomware by working with global partners to bolster accountability for countries that shelter cybercriminals. The president is also expected to raise the issue later this month when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
How can universities and colleges position cybersecurity students to be ready for the growing threat of ransomware attacks?
Ryan O. Williams
Ryan O. Williams is associate dean of academic affairs at Syracuse University’s University College. He is responsible for researching, developing and launching new market-sensitive undergraduate and graduate programs.
Williams says:
“As recent ransomware attacks against Colonial Pipeline and JBS demonstrate, the digital world has created an unprecedented need to protect information systems. Preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks is essential to every individual and to corporate, governmental, and non-governmental organizations worldwide. Victims of cybercrime are often faced with an impossible decision – to give in to cyber extortion or forever lose mission-critical data. Ransomware attacks can be both targeted and random. No one is immune. The decentralized and market-oriented US economy remains especially vulnerable, particularly in industries critical to national security, such as energy and agriculture. The federal government has a role to play here, in setting the rules of engagement with criminal actors, communicating threats to the private sector, and in coordinating an appropriate response.
“More than ever, companies need highly-trained, competent cybersecurity specialists fighting on the front lines of this effort. Our Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Cybersecurity Administration prepares students with the necessary skills and expertise to protect systems and infrastructures – a key, transformative career for the 21st century.”
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