OAS and cybersecurity

FIU, OAS launch regional conference on cybersecurity

education and training

Brian Fonseca and Randy Pestana of the Gordon Institute join Ambassador Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), for the inaugural RICET conference. FIU and the Organization of American States (OAS) partnered for the inaugural Regional Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and Training Conference (RICET). The conference provided an opportunity for community members and thought leaders from education, government, industry and nonprofits to explore ways of developing a curriculum for the current and future cybersecurity workforce. It served as a collaborative effort to build and strengthen a foundation in cybersecurity education, training and workforce for the Americas and the Caribbean.

RICET featured welcome remarks by Brian Fonseca, director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, FIU; Rodney Petersen, director of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education; and Ambassador Nestor Mendez, assistant secretary-general of the OAS. RICET was hosted in cooperation with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. “Cyber-attacks in Latin America and the Caribbean are rapidly outpacing the capacities needed to combat cyber threats,” said Fonseca. “FIU and its partners launched RICET in an effort to help bring the region together to build innovative and collaborative workforces equipped to defend individuals, organizations, companies and governments in cyberspace.”

The conference consisted of three panels focused on K-12 curriculum development and the implementation of the NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) framework; diversification of the cybersecurity workforce; and reskilling and upskilling.

“The impact to our security and economic prosperity from cybersecurity incidents recognizes no borders or boundaries,” says Rodney Petersen, director of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education.

“Accordingly, our interdependence among the Americas combined with our global responsibility to create a safe and secure cyberspace necessitate coordination and cooperation to establish policies and standards that support the education and training of the cybersecurity workforce that is needed in both the public and private sectors.”

“Education is a key component to building and safeguarding the cybersecurity of our hemisphere and creating more rights for more people,” added Ambassador Mendez. “Through this conference, we are enabling a unique platform for OAS’ member states, key policymakers and thought leaders to share best practices around the new realities of education to adapt to new challenges, as well as new cybersecurity opportunities.”