With hacking, ransomware, and identity theft on the rise, cybersecurity is playing an increasingly important role in business and personal life.
of north cross group Portland, Maine-based cybersecurity company (NCG) is on the market to help Northern Michigan University (NMU) will develop a new workforce with the latest knowledge and work with local businesses to develop cybersecurity skills.
The company collaborates with NMU and universities. Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute (UPCI) develops cybersecurity, computer science, and risk management capabilities for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Northcross Group offers internship opportunities across the U.P.
“NCG has entered into an academic partnership with NMU and UPCI to support the development of our cybersecurity program and help build commercial cybersecurity opportunities in the region,” said Christopher Bender, president of Norcross Group. I will explain. As part of that effort, NCG has opened an office in the market.
NMU offers a National Security Agency-approved Bachelor of Science degree in Information Assurance/Cyberdefense as well as a non-credit certificate program.
Norcross Group is also actively recruiting cybersecurity and technology talent at UP to prepare cybersecurity and technology professionals for careers working with NCG clients around the world, Bender said it provides world-class service to the business market.
NCG also began working with Michigan Technological University in Houghton. Michigan Technological University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. This university offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security.
Bender said Norcross Group first partnered with Northern Michigan University in 2020 to conduct defense industrial infrastructure training sessions for the Department of Defense’s new cybersecurity program. Through the UP Cybersecurity Institute, NCG learned about NMU’s efforts to foster workforce development in the cybersecurity field and prepare people for a wide range of professional opportunities to protect data and systems.
UPCI was building relationships with industry to gain input on program direction, develop cybersecurity talent, and foster regional cybersecurity business development. Bender says UPCI’s efforts align with many of his NCG’s own efforts. His company has been running his internship program for over 16 years and has collaborated with technology, cybersecurity and risk management programs at other universities.
Northcross Group is invest upis a regional economic development organization dedicated to promoting UP by attracting and supporting business growth and developing, attracting and retaining talent.
Northcross Group and NMU partnership
“This partnership will allow students to pursue a unique, embedded learning experience taught by leading experts,” said David Nyberg, NMU Director of Corporate Engagement. “This will also allow Norcross Group to expand its consulting services to support businesses, governments and institutions in the Upper Midwest.”
The partnership with Norcross Group adds meaningful value to Northern’s growing cybersecurity program, Nyberg said.
Northcross Group leaders also serve on NMU’s Cybersecurity Industry Advisory Council, providing valuable input to the university’s cybersecurity program and curriculum, which helps the university improve U.S. homeland security. This is essential for the Department and National Security Agency to be designated as a Center of Academic Excellence, Nyberg said.
“The cybersecurity profession will really take off over the next 10 years,” he points out.
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just one job in this field, information security analysts, has an average annual salary of $102,600, but by 2031 it is expected to grow much faster than the average occupation. NMU is committed to continuous improvement and improvement. We are evolving to accelerate career opportunities for our students and graduates, promote regional economic prosperity, and positively contribute to homeland security. Masu.”
Why is cybersecurity important?
“Cybersecurity awareness and basic proficiency are important for any business,” said Bender, president of Northcross. It is a fundamental element of.”
Cybersecurity is not just a technical consideration, he adds. “Cybersecurity spans the organizational, administrative, and people aspects of systems and organizations. Effective cybersecurity programs and capabilities span from the highly technical parts to the manual steps people perform on a daily basis. , must span all threat areas.”
Just as skills like financial literacy and communication skills are necessary for success, Bender says, cybersecurity knowledge also needs to be part of academic and professional development. That’s why the company is working with NMU.
artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is sometimes considered another potential cybersecurity threat. But while Northcross Group sees this as an opportunity, there are some caveats.
“AI is a great opportunity,” Bender says. “As with any technology advancement, AI requires effective controls to control what is and is not done. But AI will change the way people work in every industry. The rate of progress and the pace at which people focus on and leverage their skills and creativity will accelerate. Businesses and individuals will need to adapt and aim to grow in this evolving environment.”
Bender said the company is leveraging AI to accelerate internal competency and skill acquisition for employees across career paths. NCG is also using the Market Office as a testbed for its AI-based governance, risk, and compliance platform. NCG says it uses AI to help clients build and operate business programs that effectively apply industry standards and requirements tailored to their specific operations.
President Biden signed it, according to the New York Times. Executive Order on AI. It requires companies to share information with the government about systems and other things that could threaten national security. This Executive Order is an attempt to leverage the economic potential of technology while minimizing risk.
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed global standards for AI at a recent summit in London.
In short, Northcross Group came to UP to develop cybersecurity talent, strengthen regional business capabilities, and help students and businesses learn to manage cybersecurity risks.
Jennifer Donovan is a reporter with more than 40 years of experience writing and editing for daily newspapers, magazines, and universities. She is retired as director of press and media relations at Michigan Technological University and lives in Houghton.