Knightly News

Did you know that cybercrime has increased tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic? Cybercrime is frequently mentioned in the news and is an issue on the minds of many business and industry professionals. This risk is also on the minds of education leaders who take considerable precautions to protect student information and privacy.

From Hackers to Cybersecurity Careers

To help students understand cyber risks, AP Computer Science teacher Dr. Jeff McLean recently brought his class on a field trip hosted by Stephenson Technologies Corporation. IT Systems Administrator Steve Latuso and I joined the group at a model home set up as a smart house in Rouzan subdivision. A presentation was given on the Internet of Things and living lab demonstrations. Dr. McLean says students won’t soon forget the experience. “The part that made the biggest impression on the students was the ease with which a hacker could gain entry to the devices within a smart home,” he says. “By utilizing a vulnerability in a single smart device, hackers are able to gain access to nearly all devices and data inside the home or business.” Students and participants watched as the hacker turned on and off the smart water faucet in the kitchen and took control of the smart door locks, Roomba vacuum, speakers, microwave, video camera, and light controls. The house featured 32 items that run over wireless and are controlled by the homeowner.  Once a hacker is able to breach these items, he or she can take control and cause havoc.  

Students then went to the Stephenson Technologies cyber range and training center.  They began by hearing from Aisha Ali-Gombe (Ph.D.), an associate professor of Computer Science from LSU. (LSU recently received an elite cyber designation from the National Security Agency.)  She mentioned that the demand for cybersecurity workers is currently outpacing the supply.  The students learned about careers in cybersecurity and the high demand in the market. Students enjoyed hearing from members of Stephenson Technologies Corporation regarding operational technologies. The discussion included a demonstration of how a cyberattack could take down an industrial plant in just a few minutes once a system is breached.  The group also viewed a live map of cyberattacks taking place in the world at that moment. 

We hope this comprehensive learning experience reinforces what students learn in the classroom.  AP Computer Science junior Louis Freeman says the experience helped him appreciate the value of cybersecurity. “This trip showed me the dangers and powers that skilled individuals have over you from their technology,” he says. “This trip also introduced me to the career options available with a skillset and knowledge in cybersecurity.”

Protecting Student Data

Our IT team stays up to date on the latest advancements to protect student and school information. As part of the school’s Cyber Insurance, several changes were recently implemented to better protect our data and security. The most notable change was the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication on employee accounts. Multi-Factor Authentication is a way of proving to a service who you are. This is accomplished via text, email, or authentication apps.

The IT team also attended a Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance lunch and learn hosted by our managed service provider, Universal Data, and our insurance agency, Gallagher. Best practices, tips to build security awareness, and statistics on different types of cyber-attacks were reviewed.  For example, did you know that 91% of cyber-attacks begin with a Phishing email? Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.

As tomorrow’s leaders, today’s students will deal with cybersecurity concerns. We hope to prepare them for the challenges and possibilities ahead through meaningful learning experiences.

Michelle Chenevert

Michelle Chenevert has been a part of Episcopal School of Baton Rouge since 2000.  A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education and Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Louisiana State University.  Michelle is the Episcopal Director of Technology. During her time at Episcopal, she has led many professional development opportunities for teachers and taught an audio/video education enrichment for Middle School. In addition to being the technology director, she is a Google Certified Educator and serves on the Academic Technology Team.

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