Carthage College and Cybersecurity: Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

Carthage College, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is increasingly focused on preparing students and the broader community for the cybersecurity challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly AI-driven world. This article explores Carthage College's efforts in cybersecurity education, its connections to industry experts, and its role in fostering a security-conscious environment.

The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in an AI-Driven World

With substantial investments in data infrastructure, such as Microsoft’s $3.3 billion commitment in Wisconsin, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into manufacturing and corporate enterprises is rapidly expanding. This growth necessitates a heightened awareness and robust strategies for data security. The increased reliance on AI-powered systems in business and manufacturing processes means that understanding and mitigating cybersecurity risks is more critical than ever.

Carthage College Experts Address Cybersecurity Challenges

Carthage College has actively engaged with cybersecurity experts to address these challenges. A recent event featured a panel of professionals, including:

Victoria Nguyen ’05: Co-founder of Servitium Cyber, a cybersecurity consulting firm.
Andrew Munson ’98: IT risk manager at McDonald’s corporate.
Kris Keckler ’97: Chief Information Officer of Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD).
Rick Bingen ’15: Assistant Professor and Chair of the Computer Science Department at Carthage, moderated the discussion.

This panel explored the essential knowledge needed to secure data as businesses and manufacturing increasingly depend on AI-driven systems, bringing together diverse perspectives from cybersecurity consulting, corporate risk management, and educational technology leadership.

Expert Insights: Victoria Nguyen, Servitium Cyber

Victoria Nguyen’s Servitium Cyber aims to demystify cybersecurity and compliance for small businesses. The firm focuses on empowering these businesses with the knowledge, mindset, and tools necessary to protect their operations from current and future digital threats. Nguyen's background includes national intelligence, intelligence analysis, healthcare technology, and operations management, providing a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity challenges. Servitium’s mission is to empower small businesses with practical know-how, a security mindset, and tools and strategies that safeguard their operations from digital threats today and future-proof for tomorrow. By pursuing a life of service and curiosity, Ms. Nguyen brings valuable insights to the Carthage community.

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Expert Insights: Andrew Munson, McDonald’s Corporation

Andrew Munson, a senior manager of information risk management and governance at McDonald’s Corporation, focuses on security training and awareness. He aims to raise awareness, influence behavior, and cultivate a culture of security throughout the McDonald’s system. With 24 years of experience in information technology, Munson joined McDonald’s in 2020, bringing a human-centric approach to security training. His expertise includes risk assessment, identity management, and IT architecture. He has toured data centers across the United States, auditing the security posture of leading companies, providing him with a broad perspective on industry best practices.

Expert Insights: Kris Keckler, Kenosha Unified School District

Kris Keckler has served Kenosha Unified since 1997, with roles spanning instruction, administration, and technology coordination. Appointed CIO for KUSD in 2012, he manages the Office of Educational Accountability and the Information Services Department. Keckler has championed technology integration across various subjects and presented at regional and national conferences. His experience in educational technology provides a unique perspective on the cybersecurity challenges facing educational institutions.

Carthage College's Computer Science and Cybersecurity Initiatives

Carthage College offers a robust Computer Science program designed to equip students with the skills needed for the 21st century. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, teamwork, and real-world application of knowledge.

Curriculum and Focus

The Computer Science program at Carthage focuses on creating 21st-century problem solvers. Students spend significant time designing and building software in teams under the guidance of professors. While the curriculum includes modern topics such as mobile computing, web development, and computer graphics, the primary goal is to develop comprehensive problem-solving skills applicable to various fields, including cybersecurity.

Experiential Learning and Internships

Carthage computer science majors participate in internships that provide real-world experiences. These internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, enhancing their understanding of practical challenges and solutions. On-campus research opportunities are also available through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, which pairs students with faculty for full-time research.

Capstone Projects

All computer science majors are required to complete a capstone software development project for their senior theses. This project integrates skills from the classroom, research, and internships, providing a comprehensive demonstration of their capabilities.

Facilities and Resources

Carthage’s Science Center features 12 interdisciplinary laboratories for research, collaborative learning areas, and advanced computing facilities with Linux and Sun/Solaris platforms. Courses are also held in the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business, which includes a server room and a hardware lab.

Dual-Degree Programs

Carthage offers a dual-degree program where students spend three years at Carthage and then complete their studies at Case Western Reserve University or Washington University in St. Louis. This program provides students with a broader range of academic and research opportunities.

Game Development Concentration

With a concentration in game development, computer science majors can earn associate-level certification through Unity, the platform used for creating most mobile, console, and PC games. This specialization prepares students for careers in the gaming industry, which also requires a strong understanding of cybersecurity due to the increasing prevalence of online gaming and related security threats.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Mitigation

Carthage College, like any institution with an online presence, faces cybersecurity risks. Analyzing potential vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies are crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

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Examples of Cybersecurity Risks

Recent cybersecurity news highlights the types of threats Carthage College and similar institutions face. For example, vulnerabilities have been identified in various MediaWiki extensions, including QuizGame, PollNY, and WebAuthn, which could allow for Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could compromise the integrity and security of the college’s online platforms.

Rankiteo Analysis

Rankiteo, a unified scoring and risk platform, analyzes billions of signals weekly to provide actionable insights into emerging threats. This type of platform can help institutions like Carthage College proactively defend against cyberattacks by leveraging real-time threat intelligence.

Security Measures

To address these risks, Carthage College can implement several security measures:

Network Security: Identifying exposed access points, detecting misconfigured SSL certificates, and uncovering vulnerabilities across the network infrastructure.
Software Bill of Materials (SBOM): Gaining visibility into the software components used within the organization to detect vulnerabilities, manage risk, and ensure supply chain security.
Configuration Management Database (CMDB): Monitoring and managing all IT assets and their configurations to ensure accurate, real-time visibility across the company's technology environment.
Threat Intelligence: Leveraging real-time insights on active threats, malware campaigns, and emerging vulnerabilities.

SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway

The SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway provides a route for students entering STEM-related fields to earn an associate degree at Gateway Technical College and transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree at Carthage College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Milwaukee School of Engineering, or the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. This pathway supports students in Racine Unified School District, fostering local talent in STEM fields.

Carthage College as a Liberal Arts Institution

Founded in 1847, Carthage College blends liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs. With over 75 areas of study, students can pursue Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Music degrees. Popular majors include Nursing, Marketing, Business Management, Biology, and Finance. The college has also introduced in-demand options such as Engineering, Healthcare Administration, and Game Development.

Graduate Programs

Carthage offers accelerated graduate programs in Education, Business Design and Innovation, Sports Management, Product Management, Athletic Training, Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy, and Music Pedagogy, designed for busy adults.

The Aspire Center

Carthage’s Aspire Center connects students and graduates with employers and community organizations for internships, employment, and research assistance. The center also provides customizable workplace-delivered education to employees.

Comparisons to Other Institutions

Carthage College is compared to other institutions such as Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Toronto, Florida State University, Brown University, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Visual Arts, Amity University, University of Sydney, and KAPLAN China. These comparisons highlight Carthage's position in the broader academic landscape.

Addressing Phishing and Security Awareness

A concerning trend is the emergence of phishing attempts targeting Carthage College students and staff. One example is a phishing email indicating that an Office 365 Microsoft account has been flagged for deactivation. These emails often include deceptive links designed to steal login credentials. Such incidents underscore the need for ongoing cybersecurity awareness training and vigilance among the college community.

Cybersecurity News and Updates

Carthage College is mentioned in cybersecurity news, including articles about top colleges for tech enthusiasts. These mentions reflect the college's growing presence in the technology and cybersecurity fields.

KUSD Cybersecurity Update

The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD), where Kris Keckler serves as CIO, provides insights into cybersecurity measures in education. These updates highlight the importance of addressing cybersecurity at all levels of education.

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