Texas Border Business
The Laredo College Cybersecurity Institute has prepared a month filled with virtual activities, interactions, and videos to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.
Since 2018, our institution has been organizing conferences for students all over Laredo and the surrounding area to inform them about the importance of security on the internet, provide knowledge in the field and introduce them to the technology used to protect those on the internet from malicious activities. LC President Ricardo J. Solis mentioned that LC understands the importance of informing students and preparing the public. Therefore, the month-long celebration will be held completely online and will be free to the public.
Dean of Workforce Education Heriberto Hernandez said, “We will be providing valuable information to the community on the importance of cybersecurity, which now more than ever is critical due to the heavy reliance on a virtual environment. Our cyber team has worked diligently [on the development of] competitions and informational segments.”
The public will be able to watch free weekly videos and take part in live interactions via LC’s social media platforms where experts will discuss important information regarding cybersecurity. Topics discussed will include Zoom safety, good computer practices, geolocation, USB security, phishing and the dark web.
“[Participants will be able to] recognize the different types of cyber threats and [learn how to keep] critical infrastructure secure. Students will also know how to [stay] safe and secure while [browsing] the internet,” Cybersecurity Institute Coordinator Reymundo Hernandez said.
Cybersecurity Institute Assistant Director Tekuani Perez mentioned that the goal of security is to be at a state of being free from danger and focus on the process of how to remain safe. “With that said, we think it’s important to inform students about security so they can take the necessary steps to be protected from harm,” Perez concluded.
Other interesting activities that the department will be organizing are cybersecurity competitions. These competitions will be open only to high school and dual enrollment students. Competitions include OSINT Jeopardy, Crypto challenge and picoCTF 2019. The top four contestants in each competition will be recognized.
President Solis said, “Is very important for our college to share the knowledge and raise awareness in the field of cybersecurity with exciting virtual activities in order to decrease the dangers of the web and increase safety precautions in our young and adult population.”
Dual enrollment or high school students interested in participating in the competitions may email tekuani.perez@laredo.edu. Deadline to register is October 14. Registration is completely free.
The public may watch the videos and participate in the live interactions in October by liking or following our social media pages at @laredopalominos.
