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IT resources for improving security and Girls Who Code club

By Cathy McVey, information technology services

Supporting Miami’s technology needs isn’t just about networks, servers and software. Keeping Miamians informed about information security and taking an active role in offering hands-on experiences to girls with an interest in IT are two examples of how IT services people support people at Miami and in the community.

 cyberawareSecurity Awareness Speakers Just Waiting to be Asked

 Knowing that the human element in security cannot be underestimated, Joe Bazeley and the security, compliance and risk management staff are always looking for ways to engage face-to-face. They speak to classes, at staff and departmental meetings, and any other gathering. They tell lurid tales of cybercrime and how to take personal responsibility for your online interactions.

For example – do you cover your laptop’s camera when you are not using it? Miss Teen USA 2013 learned the hard way why that’s necessary. As our cars become more and more connected to the web they are as vulnerable as any other device. To find out what that looks like, WIRED’s Andy Greenburg had “friendly” hackers take over his Jeep. The havoc that resulted is more than a little scary.

So, if you have a group of any size interested in learning more about cybersecurity, contact InfoSec@MiamiOH.edu, and the staff will work with you to schedule a meeting or other activity to suit your needs.

Where Do the Programmers of Tomorrow Come From?

Miami is hosting the Girls Who Code club again this year and the first session is Saturday, Sept. 17. The club, part of a national program, is open to girls in grades 6-12 and provides hands-on experiences encouraging them to consider a career in information technology. Faculty from computer science and engineering and IT services staff coordinate and supervise the club.

girls-codeTo kick off the new session this Saturday, there will be pizza at 12:30 p.m., followed by activities from 1–3 p.m. Girls can choose from a variety of activities including storytelling using Python, game development, web development, databases and more.

Fall 2016 sessions are from 1–3 p.m. each Saturday except Oct. 15 (fall break) and Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving break). The last meeting for this semester is Dec. 3.

If you know any girl or young woman who might be interested, please share the enrollment link.

 Previous participants will have to re-enroll. Miami’s club ID for this year is C-000003055. Please let Daniela Inclezan (inclezd@MiamiOH.edu) know if you have questions or run into problems when trying to enroll.