Empowering Community-Driven Cybersecurity Education: A Framework for the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program

Doug W. Jacobson

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Conference: 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Portland, Oregon
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
Start Date: June 23, 2024
End Date: July 12, 2024
Conference Session: Technical Proficiency and Cybersecurity Awareness in ECE Education
Tagged Division: Electrical and Computer Engineering Division (ECE)
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/47243

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Paper Authors

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Doug W. Jacobson Iowa State University of Science and Technology orcid.org/0000-0002-6835-4687

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Doug Jacobson is a University Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. He is currently the director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity innovation and Outreach.

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Abstract

As digital integration becomes more entrenched in daily life, the urgency of widespread cybersecurity education has become more apparent. This urgency has led to the development of the "Cybersecurity Ambassador Program," an initiative to bridge the knowledge gap by empowering students and community members to become key educators within their localities. This paper introduces the structure and intentions of this novel program, highlighting its foundational role in enhancing grassroots cybersecurity literacy.

Scheduled for detailed submission by the full paper submission deadline, the paper will elucidate the program's unique approach, primarily focusing on mobilizing a diverse set of ambassadors. These individuals, from students to seasoned professionals, are the linchpin of this initiative, tasked with bringing cybersecurity knowledge to their local communities through various educational activities and interpersonal interactions.

In support of the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program, we have several integral components designed to equip our ambassadors with the most up-to-date resources. Firstly, the CyberED group is the foundational hub for the development of educational materials, tutorials, and curated cybersecurity content, ensuring ambassadors access comprehensive, accurate, and relevant information. In conjunction, "Cyber House Rock" provides engaging multimedia content, from videos to interactive tutorials, aiming to simplify complex cybersecurity concepts into easily digestible formats. This ensures that the ambassadors grasp the subject matter and have the tools to present information in captivating ways. Lastly, "Ask Captain Cyber" is an interactive knowledge base that supplements the ambassadors' efforts. While not the program's centerpiece, this tool plays a supportive role, utilizing a degree of artificial intelligence to provide a dynamic repository of information, answering common cybersecurity inquiries, and enriching the ambassadors' educational content. Together, these resources form a robust support system, ensuring our ambassadors are well-equipped and confident in their outreach efforts.

Preparation for a comprehensive assessment is underway, with implementation set for early next year. This evaluation is critical to understanding the program's effectiveness and areas for improvement. It will consider various metrics, including participant engagement, knowledge dissemination efficacy, and the broader impact on community cybersecurity practices.

Initial results and insights, available in the final paper, will be preliminary, reflecting the program's early stages. However, even with foundational AI support, the program expects to witness enhanced cybersecurity awareness, fostering a culture of digital safety and responsibility across participating communities. The paper will present an interim analysis based on the program's ongoing activities, anecdotal evidence, and initial observations from the program's rollout.

In conclusion, this program promises to contribute a community-centric model for cybersecurity education, emphasizing local engagement, diverse ambassadorial participation, and collaborative learning experiences. While acknowledging the supplementary role of AI, the focus remains on the human aspect of the program - the ambassadors themselves, their interactions with the community, and the collective journey towards a more secure digital environment. The full paper will provide insights into the program's scalability, potential for broader societal impact, and adaptability to various demographic contexts and evolving cyber threat landscapes. This initiative serves as a beacon for similar future programs, highlighting the power of community action in cybersecurity education.

Citation
Format

Jacobson, D. W. (2024, June), Empowering Community-Driven Cybersecurity Education: A Framework for the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47243

TY - CPAPER
AB - As digital integration becomes more entrenched in daily life, the urgency of widespread cybersecurity education has become more apparent. This urgency has led to the development of the &quot;Cybersecurity Ambassador Program,&quot; an initiative to bridge the knowledge gap by empowering students and community members to become key educators within their localities. This paper introduces the structure and intentions of this novel program, highlighting its foundational role in enhancing grassroots cybersecurity literacy.

Scheduled for detailed submission by the full paper submission deadline, the paper will elucidate the program&#39;s unique approach, primarily focusing on mobilizing a diverse set of ambassadors. These individuals, from students to seasoned professionals, are the linchpin of this initiative, tasked with bringing cybersecurity knowledge to their local communities through various educational activities and interpersonal interactions.

In support of the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program, we have several integral components designed to equip our ambassadors with the most up-to-date resources. Firstly, the CyberED group is the foundational hub for the development of educational materials, tutorials, and curated cybersecurity content, ensuring ambassadors access comprehensive, accurate, and relevant information. In conjunction, &quot;Cyber House Rock&quot; provides engaging multimedia content, from videos to interactive tutorials, aiming to simplify complex cybersecurity concepts into easily digestible formats. This ensures that the ambassadors grasp the subject matter and have the tools to present information in captivating ways. Lastly, &quot;Ask Captain Cyber&quot; is an interactive knowledge base that supplements the ambassadors&#39; efforts. While not the program&#39;s centerpiece, this tool plays a supportive role, utilizing a degree of artificial intelligence to provide a dynamic repository of information, answering common cybersecurity inquiries, and enriching the ambassadors&#39; educational content. Together, these resources form a robust support system, ensuring our ambassadors are well-equipped and confident in their outreach efforts.

Preparation for a comprehensive assessment is underway, with implementation set for early next year. This evaluation is critical to understanding the program&#39;s effectiveness and areas for improvement. It will consider various metrics, including participant engagement, knowledge dissemination efficacy, and the broader impact on community cybersecurity practices.

Initial results and insights, available in the final paper, will be preliminary, reflecting the program&#39;s early stages. However, even with foundational AI support, the program expects to witness enhanced cybersecurity awareness, fostering a culture of digital safety and responsibility across participating communities. The paper will present an interim analysis based on the program&#39;s ongoing activities, anecdotal evidence, and initial observations from the program&#39;s rollout.

In conclusion, this program promises to contribute a community-centric model for cybersecurity education, emphasizing local engagement, diverse ambassadorial participation, and collaborative learning experiences. While acknowledging the supplementary role of AI, the focus remains on the human aspect of the program - the ambassadors themselves, their interactions with the community, and the collective journey towards a more secure digital environment. The full paper will provide insights into the program&#39;s scalability, potential for broader societal impact, and adaptability to various demographic contexts and evolving cyber threat landscapes. This initiative serves as a beacon for similar future programs, highlighting the power of community action in cybersecurity education.

AU - Doug W. Jacobson
CY - Portland, Oregon
DA - 2024/06/23
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - Empowering Community-Driven Cybersecurity Education: A Framework for the Cybersecurity Ambassador Program
UR - https://peer.asee.org/47243
ER -