Baker College recognizes two decades of cybersecurity awareness, highlighting its distinguished degree programs that prepare students to navigate the digital frontier and equip them to be a resource to address the world’s cybersecurity challenges. Established in 2004, October has been designated Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Baker plays a crucial role in spreading knowledge on the ever-growing significance of cybersecurity in our increasingly interconnected world.
Cybersecurity is essential, as hacking attempts occur at an alarming rate. Individuals and organizations are constantly threatened, with an attempted hacking estimated to occur every 39 seconds. In 2022, there was a significant 38% rise in cybersecurity attacks, and this number continues to climb in 2023, with a 7% increase in attacks over the same period last year (Check Point Research -CPR).
The Cybersecurity Heat Map reveals approximately 16,500 cybersecurity-related job openings in Michigan, highlighting the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals (cyberseek.org). Baker College, designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is well-positioned to prepare students for careers in this field.
With degree programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology, Baker College equips students with the education required to fill these critical cybersecurity positions. Through the years, Baker College’s Cyber Defense Team has achieved remarkable success, earning 10+ State Championships, 2 Regional Championships, and 2 National Championships since 2007.
Recently listed in FORBES for having one of the Best Online Computer Programming Degrees of 2023, Dr. Brian Kowalczk, Dean, College of Information Technology and Engineering (CoITE) said, “Our student-first philosophy ensures that students have access to holistic and proactive support in both their academic and personal lives as they pursue their educational goals. Together, these two initiatives provide a high-quality and relevant curriculum with world-class support for our students.”
Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and education is the first line of defense in safeguarding our digital world. CoITE, along with the Department of Information Technology, the Association for Computing Machinery Club, the Cyber Defense Club, and the Cyber Defense Team are hosting events to enhance your knowledge and help you remain protected in the digital realm.
Wednesday, October 18 |Noon – 1:00 p.m. How to Recognize and Defend against Phishing
Wednesday, October 25 | Noon – 1:00 p.m. Tips to Keep your Devices Secure
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram. Discover programs offered in the College of Engineering and Technology.