Media Advisory: Teens to battle virtual computer attack at UB cyber summer camp

By Matthew Biddle

What: University at Buffalo GenCyber Camp 2016, a free, weeklong cybersecurity summer camp that introduces bright young students to cybersecurity as a future career option.

Who: Students aged 13-17 will participate in hands-on activities to learn about a wide range of computer security topics. These activities prepare students for the final day of camp, when they will defend the UB GenCyber network from a simulated cyberattack. Students who complete the camp will receive a certificate of achievement.

The event is presented by the UB School of Management, the UB Computer Science and Engineering Department, and the UB Center of Excellence in Information Systems Assurance Research and Education (CEISARE), with sponsorship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

Why: Businesses continue to struggle with how to handle information security threats. With cyberthreats on the rise, there is an urgent need for professionals with the technical and managerial skills to protect national and business interests. The goal of UB GenCyber Camp is to help meet this escalating demand by introducing bright young students to the subject of cybersecurity and encouraging them to pursue career opportunities in the burgeoning field.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 27 - July 1 (detailed schedule below)

Where: University at Buffalo North Campus

Details and Photo Opportunities:

June 29

• 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. - Students build computer network using credit-card sized Raspberry Pi computers. (214 Jacobs Management Center)

July 1

• Noon - 1:45 p.m. - Students work on computers to defend against a simulated cyberattack. (214 Jacobs Management Center)
• 2:30 - 3 p.m. - Student awards presentation. (110 Jacobs Management Center)

David Murray, associate professor of management science and systems in the UB School of Management, will be available for interviews at the camp.