Cedarville Magazine, Summer 2018

studying cyber policy so they can devote more time to learning the tools and tricks of the hacking trade, a rare and valuable skill. This opens up opportunities for graduates to work in cyber operations at the world’s premier cyber organizations, such as the National Security Agency or U.S. Cyber Command. “Our graduates understand computing at a deeper level, which makes them versatile and also able to push through obstacles and accomplish objectives,” said Hamman. “They know how to get things done, and their employers love them for that.” Nathan Shinabarger ’18 is working as an Assistant Cybersecurity Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. The Lincoln Laboratory is a trusted cybersecurity development center that is regularly consulted by the U.S. government. Not all graduates will end up working in cybersecurity- specific jobs, but they all benefit from an understanding of cybersecurity practices, no matter what career they choose. Having a specialty in cybersecurity is attractive to employers and can open up additional opportunities. “Cybersecurity is a specialized job function, but no computer science graduate is off the hook from making responsible choices in how they develop the technology that society will end up using in the future,” said Hamman. Richard Lively ’18 is one example of that. Lively works as a Software Engineer Associate at Lockheed Martin in Florida. While he does not directly deal with cybersecurity, his time in the cyber program has given him a deeper understanding of the field, which helps him develop more secure software and systems. DEMONSTRATION OF CHRIST’S LOVE Through cybersecurity, Cedarville students are demonstrating the love of Christ in ways the New Testament authors could not have imagined. The Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity, which opened June 1, will develop cyber leaders in the classroom who can also promote cyber awareness in society. This will mean using their skills to defend others, but also educating others on how to stay safe online. For instance, in the fall of 2017, Shinabarger and Lively both helped lead a cyber-awareness event for students at the local Cedar Cliff high school and middle school. They each presented basic cybersecurity principles to help students stay safe online. They shared this same message during a program on campus. These are the kind of activities the new center will actively promote. “Many people don’t know what cybersecurity is or how to do it,” said Lively. “By educating others, I hope to help people be aware of what’s going on in the world and know how to better protect themselves online. This is one way I can show my love for God and my neighbor.” In security contexts, Christian character and integrity are indispensable. “Cybersecurity is concerned with protecting the rights of individuals and organizations in cyberspace, and it is a field that Christians can not only wholeheartedly support but also enrich,” said Hamman. Because Cedarville is grounded in biblical truth, students are taught to cultivate their character and live in a way that shows their love for God. “In the 21st century, technology plays such an instrumental role in everything we do,” said Shinabarger. “As Christians, part of glorifying God is protecting the technology we have designed and enabling other people to continue using it.” Madi Cannon ’17 , a former Public Relations Writer for Cedarville University, is a Research Assistant at Empower Ministries International. She is currently pursuing a Master of Theology degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. “Cybersecurity is now crucial to the proper functioning of our economy, the well-being of our citizenry, and even to the safeguarding of our freedoms.” – Seth Hamman Cedarville Magazine | 15