“There are 46,000 open jobs in the U.S. government,” says Suzanne Mello-Stark, associate teaching professor and cybersecurity program manager in the Computer Science Department. “The number of job opportunities for students is astounding.”
Individuals and governments steal information and money over computer networks, disrupting essential services such as social media and corporate security. Financial and banking fraud, spear phishing (email spoofing fraud), child porn, and intellectual property theft are among the crimes perpetuated online, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Internet security investigators and criminal expert agents are now critically needed to combat the rising scourge of cybercrimes.
Cyberspace is particularly difficult to enforce because of the complexity of cyber-networks, and the propensity of hackers to work on an international basis.
Juniors, seniors, and graduate students interested in a career in cybersecurity are encouraged to attend an informational session at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, Fuller Labs 320. Pizza will be served.
The application period for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service Program is now open for the 2016–17 academic year.
The scholarship provides full tuition, a generous stipend, academic fees, a book allowance, and funding for conference attendance. For each year of the scholarship—up to three years—students commit to taking summer internships and a year of post-graduation employment with the government in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity jobs are typically based in California and Washington, D.C., where Mello-Stark recently attended a job fair in which federally supported labs were actively seeking students.
Application materials must be submitted by Feb. 26. For eligibility and benefit information, and to apply:wpi.edu/academics/cybersecurity/cybercorps.html.
