Homeland Security seeks local cybersecurity talent

Much like opposing basketball coaches game planned against Michael Jordan, the hope of cybersecurity professionals is to contain cyber attacks, knowing they won't be able to stop them all.

"Bad things are going to happen," said Andy Ozmont, Ph.D., assistant secretary for cybersecurity & communications at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "You aren't solving a problem, you are keeping it at a place where you can manage it."

Ozmont spoke during a cybersecurity roundtable discussion held Monday morning at New World Landing in Pensacola. It was held in conjunction with a two-day Cybersecurity Job Fair. DHS hopes to fill about 35 Corry Station positions ranging in salary from $40,000 to $150,000 per year.

"There is a desperate need for cybersecurity talent," Ozmont said. "You have a great pool of talent in this area. This is our opportunity to build our capability in Corry Station as rapidly as possible."

Other panelists in the roundtable included Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill, Pensacola City Council President Andy Terhaar, and Rep. Clay Ingram.

Ozmont described a desire to build an educational pipeline from grade school through college and into federal employment. Along the way, students would be exposed to different career paths within the field in addition to opportunities for training, education and scholarships that move them to higher levels.

"We don't create successes with home runs," Underhill said. "Cyber is the ultimate collaborative environment. Even to take small steps in cyber, it takes a huge team to do it."

Numerous cybersecurity and computer science professionals and educators were in attendance and contributed to the discussion.

Chris Hendricks is the team lead for the Pensacola CoderDojo at the University of West Florida Innovation Institute. CoderDojos are a network of local clubs where children between 7 and 17 learn how to program by making games, animations, websites and programs.

"We give people a place to play," he said. "As the core of this community grows up with this in mind, how do we give these kids a sandbox to play in without hacking the school board?"

Randy Ramos, CEO of Global Business Solutions, Inc., almost immediately raised his hand, committing to build a training environment where young programmers can practice their skills.

"It is the community that needs to come together and do this," he said. "There is a tremendous opportunity here to reach down into K through 12, so let's support it."

Karen Sindel, of the National Flight Academy, spoke about the success it has had in educating and involving students from 47 states and 7 foreign countries in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Its educational programs expose students to aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation, communications, flight physiology and meteorology.

"In 6 days, we improve their STEM knowledge 10 percent," she said. "We are the only facility in the world like this and we are in your backyard."

Ozmont said a big challenge to cybersecurity is getting people to understand that all Internet-connected devices are susceptible to attack.

"People recognize that their computer is at risk," he said. "But their thermostat, refrigerator or car also have an opportunity for cyber risk."

The job fair continues today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 600 S. Palafox St. For a detailed overview and resources on 'How to Apply', visit DHS.gov/How-Apply or email CybersecurityJobs@hq.dhs.gov.