University Hosts HS Students at Cyber Camp

The next generation of internet users needs to bring with it a new group of online protectors, ensuring a safe and secure experience.

Twenty-one potential online guardians recently attended The University of Scranton’s Cyber-AI Investigation Camp, where they learned the basics of cybersecurity, robotic investigation, artificial intelligence (AI) and more through a series of lectures, hands-on exercises and games.

The camp, which was held July 8-10, attracted current high school students from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Texas.

“The purpose of what we’re doing is to not only enhance and train our students in the technical aspects, but to also inspire them as a future cyber-investigator, cyber-defender, detective or cybersecurity expert,” said Sinchul Back, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the University’s cybercrime and homeland security program. “We just want to inspire them to find joy in what could be their future career.”

The University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology first held the camp in 2021. As technology and trends have evolved in the past five years, so has the camp, which placed a greater emphasis this year on AI.

Watch and read additional coverage of the Cyber-AI Investigation Camp at the following links:

WNEP-TV: Students unravel the dark web’s mysteries inside University of Scranton camp

WBRE-TV: Fighting cybercrime in Lackawanna County summer camp