In today’s technologically-based society, we rely heavily on information systems. Its usage is prominent in every industry and field in today’s society. The protection of information is pivotal for everyday functions. Since this information is of high importance, it needs protection and security. This need to learn, defend, and manage this information is what led to the iSchool’s Information Security club: InfoSec.
Meeting every Tuesday, this club gives extensive hands-on experience that may be hard to come by. Sophomore and club parliamentarian, Emily Simens gives a rundown of a basic club meeting:
“We usually have a demo or lab about an aspect relevant in the information security field. We’ve hacked Wi-Fi networks and have used USBs to hack someone’s computer. We also learn different ways of how companies need to protect themselves. ”
However, giving relevant experience is only a part of what this club does. They have had guest speakers give presentations on what you should focus on, what jobs look at, and how to make yourself more marketable to employers in this field. Past speakers include adjunct professor Dr. Tyson Brooks who gave his input on how to make it in this field.
My participation in the club has given me a better understanding of the information security field. Being able to get help and learn from other students that have had experience, in competitions or internships, helps a lot when you’re struggling with a topic. I think the most valuable part is the hands-on experience with tools that are normally hard to get unless you’re in class. With this club, I could learn about things like social engineering and learn basic Linux Terminal commands.
This club participates in many competitions like BSides in Rochester, the NCAC competition, and the CNY Hackathon. Some of these competitions focus on building on intermediate skills, while others are specifically for beginners. The teams the club has sent to these competitions have shown great skill either coming in top ten and even coming in first in the NCAC competition.
This group has shown its ability to help and improve the skill that individuals need later on in life. Emily agrees; “ A lot of the skills we learn are relevant in real life situations, giving us a head start when we leave college. Especially since the club is made up of students with all different skills in backgrounds, everyone helping everyone lets you get something out of it.” Even students that aren’t looking for a background in security can find this information useful.
Sophomore and Co-parliamentarian Quinn Hecker gives her view on when she first decided to go to a meeting: “When I showed up to the club, August of freshman year, I was looking for a place to learn a cute party trick like hacking into a friends Facebook and some pizza. What I found instead is a group of some of the smartest and most passionate people I’ve ever met.”
This club is beneficial no matter who you are. So come down, enjoy some pizza, and learn about the world of information security!
