TechNet Brings Cyber ​​Experts to Augusta and Brings Youth to Cyber ​​Education

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — Some of the world’s top cyber experts are in Augusta this week for TechNet.

This is an opportunity for our military leaders to discuss ideas on how to strengthen our cyber defense systems.

The events come just days after Congress passed the CHIPS Act, committing $280 billion to the cyber and chip manufacturing industries.

TechNet is just one example of how Augusta is the cyber capital of Georgia.

It’s been happening all this week here at the convention center, but that’s not all Augusta has to offer.

The Georgia Cyber ​​Center and a local nonprofit are working to get more kids into the field.

After years of working in marketing and human resources, Ebony Brown, founder and CEO of Brown Girls Code, decided it was time for a change.

“I decided to pursue what I’ve always been passionate about, which is technology,” Brown said.

Growing up, she didn’t know much about entering the industry.

“We didn’t have many computers at school, but I was interested once we got them. I was trying to figure out what was going on,” she said.

The United States Department of Labor claims that African Americans make up only 3% of the cybertech workforce in the United States.

Sen. Jon Ossoff’s new bill creates an education grant, giving half of its funding to historically black colleges and universities and other schools that help minorities with cyber.

The Alliance’s Executive Director for Fort Gordon, Dr. Tom Clark, said, “So the Senator’s efforts may even help fund our programs, but the programs across our state will benefit our young people for e-education.

Clark works with the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, running camps to get kids more involved in the world of technology.

“In two states, 150 children participated in these camps free of charge. 65% of participants were minorities and 40% were women,” Clark said.

Brown Girls Code is a non-profit organization that teaches girls ages 7-18 about cybertechnology and gives them opportunities they normally wouldn’t have in school.

Brown said, “A great thing about computer programming is that it actually teaches you how to solve problems.”

Clark also says that cyber technology is present in almost every career field.

Brown Girls Code will have a mixer this Friday at the Cyber ​​Center for members celebrating four years and returning from in-person teaching.

Tuesday’s big event is the annual capture the flag contest.

Teams around the world are using their cyber skills to see who gets the top spot.

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