Last week, we brought together senior officials from more than twenty Silicon Valley companies and public agencies to discuss the serious threat cyber attacks pose for all of us.  SJSU is committed to meeting a rapidly growing workforce need for nimble, well-trained cyber security professionals.

This meeting coincided with a weeklong cyber security “camp” hosted at SJSU for more than 70 students. We’re grateful to all the sponsors whose generosity made it possible to provide scholarships to the bright, motivated young people who competed for spots in our second annual cyber camp.

I thought you’d be interested in excerpts from my remarks to the group:

You certainly don’t need me to tell you how serious cyber intrusions and attacks have become. They have increased dramatically over the last decade. Whether you are in the public or private sector, Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted.  

San Jose State is determined to help, and by your presence here it is apparent you and your organizations are just as committed.

Consider this: Jacques Francoeur, founder and executive director of the Union of Concerned Cybersecurity Leaders, has urged us to, quote: “Assume they are in!  Stop the intent of the attack, not the attack.”  

To combat the growing threat, society needs cybersecurity professionals with the analytical ability to adapt to and outsmart attackers’ ever-changing approaches.  Yet according to the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) our nation today has than 10% of the cybersecurity professionals we need.

Last year, demand for cybersecurity professionals grew twelve times faster than for all other jobs. That is the challenge we together need to solve.

I believe that combating cyber threats is a shared responsibility. The public and private sectors all have an important role to play. We invited you here today to learn about SJSU’s plans in this area, and to encourage you to partner with us in ensuring there is an adequate supply of cyber professionals to meet our security needs.”