Neil Cesario speaks with a studentNeil Cesario, chief information security office for Sterling Information Technologies, speaks with a UWindsor computer science student about opportunities at the company.

Partnership to provide cybersecurity skills to computer science students

A partnership between the School of Computer Science and Sterling Information Technologies will provide graduate and undergraduate students with a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity: access to the latest technology, software, and solutions, as well as real-world, hands-on experience through an immersive learning environment.

The collaboration will give students with an opportunity to combine theory and practice through a three-part course on ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network defence set to take place from May to August 2023. This partnership also aims to help students understand what the expectations are should they pursue the field after they graduate.

The company’s chief strategist, Peaches Madarang-Cesario, said Sterling Information Technologies is thrilled to mentor students and prepare them for careers in cybersecurity.

“We are helping them set realistic goals so that it opens up opportunities for them,” she said. “We believe this partnership will help prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this sought-after and ever-evolving field.”

Imran Ahmad, acting director of the School of Computer Science, said its students will benefit from the partnership: “It will allow them to not only learn theory from the experts in industry, but also gain hands-on experience to be successful in the real world.”