Around the JerSey Shore

Spots Remain For Cybersecurity Camp At OCC

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has room for 11 more students for session two of its Cybersecurity Camp which includes round-trip transportation from Toms River high schools. The program is open to high school students and is first come, first serve.

Interested in Hacking? A career in Cybersecurity? Protecting organizations, employees, and assets from cyber threats?

The GenCyber Safe camp creates a fun and educational experience for high school campers.

By Alyssa Riccardi

Campers have five days of fun, highly interactive activities, led by experienced cybersecurity and telecom professionals using Ocean County College’s Cybersecurity curriculum and facilities. The college is a National Cybersecurity Education and Training (NCyTE) member institution, and CompTIA Security+ and EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker Academia Partner.

Campers develop an improved sense of Cybersecurity practices for their devices, an elevated awareness of GenCyber Security Principles and Concepts, and exposure to the disciplines and career opportunities in the emerging field of information security professionals. They will be challenged to think securely and to stay GenCyber Safe through their lives. The camp serves as an inroad to higher education and a career pathway for high school students who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the academic and professional opprotunities that an understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals can open for them.

State Officials Targeting Speeding

NEW

JERSEY

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Attorney General Matthew

J. Platkin, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have joined together to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding.

Starting July 31, law enforcement will intensify their efforts to enforce speed limits on roads throughout New Jersey. The campaign will increase awareness about the dangers of speeding and the legal consequences of traveling over the speed limit.

According to officials, fatalities associated with speeding have risen nationally by 17 percent in recent years. In 2021, speeding killed 178 people in New Jersey, which accounted for 26 percent of all crash fatalities in the state that year. Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially prone to high-speed crashes, and represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2021, 34 percent of all drivers involved in fatal speeding crashes were between 17 and 26 years of age, 79 percent were male and 21 percent were female drivers.

In order to combat the increasing problem, law enforcement agencies have amplified their efforts to enforce speed limits and hold those who ignore them accountable.

“Speed kills – it is that simple. We know that more than a quarter of crash fatalities in New Jersey are related to speeding, and that raises real concerns for public safety,” said Attorney General

Platkin. “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to keeping our roadways safe by stepping up enforcement against dangerous and reckless speeding behavior across the state.”

The consequences of speeding: drivers will suffer penalties including fines ranging from $50 to $200, suspension of driving privileges, and the accumulation of points on their driving record. If a driver faces a serious crash or loss of life due to speeding, they may face the possibility of imprisonment.

“Several HTS initiatives are currently underway to promote safety and reduce speeding on the roads. These include ongoing safety messaging and public awareness campaigns through broadcast media and web-based traffic and weather reports, focusing on speeding and other traffic safety related issues. And to assist law enforcement with enforcement efforts, 55 yearlong, sustained enforcement grants totaling $2.5 million have been allocated to local, county, and state police agencies in 2023. These grants will target speed violations, as well as unbelted motorists and driver distraction,” according to a press release.

The camp sessions are free thanks to a national grant, but are first come, first served. If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend the camp, please let us know so that we can move up a child from our waiting list. Students must be in high school (grades 8-12) in order to participate in this camp. Camp runs August 7 through 11. For more information or to register, visit campsoncampusocc. coursestorm.com/course/gen-cyber-safeyouth-camp.

“When you exceed the legal speed limit, you not only jeopardize your own life but also the lives of innocent people sharing the road with you,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Every innocent pedestrian, every responsible driver, every loving family, all trust you to make the right choice and abide by the rules of the road. Do not betray their trust.”

For more information, visit njsaferoads.com.