Tennessee Tech University’s computer science students and faculty have always been proud supporters of Women in Cybersecurity — the global nonprofit organization and annual conference founded in 2014 by Dr. Ambareen Siraj during her time as a Tech professor and founding director of the university’s Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC).
That support was on full display recently when several Tech students and faculty served as volunteers and presenters at the WiCyS 10th annual national conference held in Nashville.
One such student was Lopamudra Praharaj, who joined Professor Maanak Gupta and fellow Tech student Kshitiz Aryal for a discussion about generative AI and the future of ChatGPT.
Both Tech and the WiCyS national conference offer supportive environments for women to explore knowledge, interests and connections in the fields of computer science and cybersecurity, she explained.
“Engaging in machine learning and cybersecurity classes have been incredibly enlightening, fueling my enthusiasm to explore new concepts and technologies,” Praharaj said.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the conference is its promotion of diversity,” she continued. “It highlights numerous successful women in the cybersecurity field, showcasing inspiring journeys. Witnessing these stories can inspire many women to pursue a successful path in cybersecurity.”
The power of sisterhood in cyberspace is what inspired Siraj, she said.
“The WiCyS conference was born out of a common sense to empower all diverse minds at a time of critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals — a vision fueled by a 2013 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant originally managed by Tennessee Tech and, since then, nurtured by countless passionate souls,” Siraj wrote in the conference program welcome.
Siraj notes that, in the decade since she led the foundation of WiCyS conference, women’s representation in the cybersecurity field has more than doubled, from 11% to 24%.
Even after Siraj’s departure from the university, she continues to volunteer her personal time and expresses her gratitude for the university’s participation in the annual conference.
“At the 10-year anniversary conference in Nashville recently, Tennessee Tech served as the local host, and we are appreciative of the wonderful service of the student volunteers and CEROC staff. Tennessee Tech will always be recognized as the ‘founding institution’ of WiCyS,” she said.
For Praharaj, presenting at the conference was a valuable opportunity as a student.
“Being a speaker at this year’s WiCyS conference meant a lot to me, for sharing insights, connecting with professionals and contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity. It’s a field I’m deeply passionate about,” she said.
Another Tech student, Mimi Vertrees, presented a session titled “Flipping the Script: Unleashing the Power of Flipper Zero in Cybersecurity.” Vertrees demonstrated how the all-in-one technological tool can be used successfully as an ethical hacking device, helping everyone from students to business executives understand the impact of security breaches and the tool’s use as an educational companion to help protect against them.
In a pragmatic session for first-time conference attendees, Tech student Warren Proctor joined panelists from various backgrounds and interests to discuss how to get the most out of the conference experience as a first-timer.
“Going into this year’s WiCyS conference as a speaker this time around was a surreal experience … I felt honored that I was even thought of and considered for this opportunity,” said Proctor. “WiCyS was really a launching platform for me to find my community.”
Siraj said she hopes the next decade of WiCyS sees the continued impact, inclusion and excellence of women in the field of cybersecurity and continues to allow participants to share knowledge, find career opportunities, mentors, and role models as they build relationships, careers and networks together.
“Let us envision a near future where the persistent shortage of cybersecurity professionals disappears, with women fearlessly at the forefront of this field,” she added in a conference welcome statement.
