University of Toledo workshops focus on cybersecurity – talent pipeline and teen tech risks

In June and July, the University of Toledo hosted two free, weeklong camps focused on cybersecurity for high school students.

Microelectronics Security

The Microelectronics Security Summer Workshop, which took place June 6 through June 10 was led by Dr. Mohammed Niamat, professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in UT’s College of Engineering.

The camp offered students the opportunity to:

• interact with UT professors and students;

• tour laboratories;

• watch live demonstrations;

• gain hands-on experience in designing microelectronic circuits;

• explore cybersecurity and detect “spy” and counterfeit chips; and

• learn about blockchain technology and NFT applications in microelectronics security.

High school students learn about cybersecurity and microelectronics at a University of Toledo summer camp. (Sutton Dunnavant/WNWO)

The workshop is part of a $30 million project funded by the U.S. Air Force aimed at developing a pipeline of trained undergraduate engineering students with the skills to design and develop assured and trusted digital microelectronic devices and systems.

The research group in the hardware security and trust lab led by Professor Niamat is working to devise techniques to prevent cyber-attacks based on machine learning and blockchain technology on digital microelectronic chips.

Cybersecurity for Teens

In July, the College of Engineering also hosted a free workshop to teach local high school students about the risks and threats associated with smartphones, tablets, and other technology, as well as provide cybersecurity training to encourage careers in computer science and cybersecurity.

“Through this camp, we were able to introduce teenagers to cybersecurity, related online dangers, and practices that may help them stay safe in the cyber world.”

During the weeklong camp, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, participants were able to gain hands-on experience and learn how to keep themselves safe on the internet. They also had the opportunity to write computer programs to learn smartphone app development, which led to understanding the inner workings of these apps and the security issues associated with them.

Faculty from Toledo and Purdue University Northwest were on site to provide interactive, animated visualizations to help students understand cybersecurity threats, defense, and prevention mechanisms.

“With an increase in online presence and use of social media apps among teenagers, there has been a rise in cases of internet-related crimes against teenagers,” said Dr. Ahmad Javaid, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Paul A. Hotmer Cybersecurity and Teaming Research (CSTAR) Lab. “Through this camp, we were able to introduce teenagers to cybersecurity, related online dangers, and practices that may help them stay safe in the cyber world.”