Archer supports 1NTERRUPT to help train the future cybersecurity workforce

January 22, 2019
Posted by: archerint
Category: Press Release

Portland, Ore., January 22, 2019 — On Saturday, young people will gather at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, to learn how to save the city from cyber attackers. This is the third annual 1NTERRUPT event, where hackers and cybersecurity professionals meet to teach the next generation how to protect critical infrastructure from cyber invaders.

Archer is sponsoring this year’s event, which takes place January 26 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The event is free for the students, who will bring their curiosity and passion for learning and doing good things to help the world. No cybersecurity experience needed! You can register here.

“Cyber attacks and breaches continue to occur and they are becoming more sophisticated,” said 1NTERRUPT founder Marc Blackmer. “And yet there is still more demand for information security professionals than there is supply. The more young people we can get interested in cybersecurity careers, the better for all of us.”

“The more young people we can get interested in cybersecurity careers, the better for all of us.”
Marc Blackmer, 1NTERRUPT Founder

The Portland-based non-profit organization EnergySec puts on the 1NTERRUPT event for the Portland area.

Most students who join in 1NTERRUPT are in high school, according to EnergySec’s Twila Denham, though middle school students and people ages 18-22 are invited as well.

“Some have an understanding of basic computer concepts but many have never participated in this kind of learning experience,” Denham said. “Our goal is to introduce cybersecurity concepts to Oregon high school students who know little about the field and its opportunities.”

The students will learn four simple cybersecurity concepts, then use their new knowledge to do a hands-on “treasure hunt” to track down malicious hackers attacking critical systems, like water plants and traffic lights in a city.

“I think the students want to have fun as they explore new ideas,” Denham said.