A new Harford Community College program is aiming to teach people how to detect and solve cybersecurity threats.

The Cyber Workforce Accelerator program was unveiled Tuesday during a ceremony at the college.

The program was established last year by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and Baltimore Cyber Range to teach cybersecurity students how to analyze, identify and respond swiftly to security breaches using the latest cybersecurity technology. This program provides all 16 of Maryland’s community colleges access to BCR Cyber’s Series 3000 Cyber Ranges.

“In today’s digital world, cyber security is not just a career path, it’s a frontline defense,” college President Theresa Felder said.

Cyber ranges involve scenarios that replicate real cyber-attacks, teaching participants how to detect and solve security threats. The program will be integrated into the curriculum and  the college will help students obtain jobs within the cybersecurity industry.

Harford Community College students Dominic Jones and Ryden Meadows just completed their first year as majors in cybersecurity and information assurance. They said they’re excited for the networking opportunities this program will bring and the possibility of securing a full-time job in the field.

“I just want to have a good job,” Meadows said. “And I think this is the best way to do it and training for it.”

The program is funded through grants from the state Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce. Last year, the labor department allocated $1.8 million for the cyber ranges to boost cybersecurity training around the state.

“We are committed to evolving with the needs of the cybersecurity field, ensuring our programs stay current, competitive and cutting edge,” Felder said. “As threats become more complex, we are preparing students who will rise to meet them with knowledge, skill and integrity.”

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