How do you scale cybersecurity education across an entire state? In this episode of Next Gen Cyber: The Future of Cybersecurity, host Becky Freemal sits down with Jack Seuss (VP of IT & CIO, UMBC) and Laura Mateczun (Director of Cybersecurity Initiatives, UMBC) to explore Maryland’s groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity training. Learn how the state partnered with Virginia Tech’s U.S. Cyber Range to provide hands-on learning opportunities for K-12, community colleges, and universities, all while keeping costs low and accessibility high.

Jim Tippey, Department Chair of IT and Cybersecurity for Excelsior University joins us to discuss how hands-on learning, flexible education, and ethical considerations are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Discover how non-traditional learners and working professionals are gaining the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges, and learn how industry and academia are collaborating to address the cybersecurity workforce gap.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story behind the U.S. Cyber Range with David Raymond, Associate VP for Security and Identity at Virginia Tech. Learn how this groundbreaking platform is transforming cybersecurity education, empowering educators, and equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. From its Virginia roots to nationwide impact, discover how the U.S. Cyber Range is shaping the future of cybersecurity learning.

On this episode of NextGen Cyber, we welcome Angela Orebaugh, Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, to discuss the Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program and the impact of hands-on cybersecurity education. Learn how students are gaining real-world skills to safeguard election security and exploring unique career paths in public service. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity.

In this episode of the "NextGen Cyber" podcast, we sit down with Pat McShea, Program Manager for Cyber Mission Operations at CACI.

Pat shares his insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the field. He believes these skills often outweigh technical expertise, especially for new graduates. "It's not necessarily what you learn; it's that you learn," says Pat, highlighting the need for adaptability in our fast-changing environment.

This conversation is especially timely as organizations continue to face a talent gap in cybersecurity, underscoring the need to nurture both soft skills and technical training in future professionals. Tune in for valuable insights that could shape your career in cybersecurity!