WEBCAST - Tactile Cybersecurity: Why Physical Devices Still Matter in a Digital World

Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 1 PM – 2 PM ET

In a rush to virtualize everything, cybersecurity education has lost touch—literally—with hardware. Ironically, this online session shines a light on the very gap it addresses: by relying heavily on virtual platforms, we’ve assumed that learners already understand both elementary and complex physical concepts—when many do not.

This session explores why hands-on, physical hardware experiences are essential for building real-world cybersecurity competency. Drawing from multiple years of classroom experimentation, we’ll examine how skipping hardware erodes students’ ability to troubleshoot, understand physical-layer vulnerabilities, and adapt under pressure.

Learn more & Register HERE

WEBCAST RECORDING COMING SOON

SESSION FACILITATOR: Dr. Rhonda Farrell – Transformation Strategist | CEO, Global Innovation Strategies | AI & Cybersecurity Advisor and Evangelist | founder@cstgia.org | www.cstgia.org

Description: In today’s rapidly shifting cybersecurity landscape, technical skill alone isn’t enough, your brand, strategy, and situational awareness can make or break your career trajectory.

This National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) exclusive session will show you how to:

• Build your cyber identity and professional presence using AI-enhanced platforms
• Understand trending roles in AI-driven security, offensive/defensive operations, and cyber analytics
• Decode the latest changes in the DoD 8570/8140 directives and certification pathways
• Leverage the NICE Framework to map, pivot, or expand your cybersecurity career path
• Explore non-traditional entry routes: micro-internships, apprenticeships, competency-based learning, and real-world simulations
• Create a personal narrative that aligns with high-demand roles and shows your value to future employers

This is a strategy session for students and emerging professionals who want to make informed, intentional moves in a complex and competitive cyber job market.

SESSION FACILITATOR: Eirik Marquez
Eirik Marquez is an undergraduate cybersecurity student at Texas A&M University-San Antonio and the president of his university’s National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) chapter. As a cybersecurity practitioner, researcher, and advocate, he is passionate about securing critical infrastructure and shaping cybersecurity policy. His experience spans vulnerability management, penetration testing, and cloud security at companies such as H-E-B, Mark V Security, and CrowdStrike. Eirik strives to bridge the gap between technical expertise and policy, aspiring to become a cybersecurity fellow on Capitol Hill.

Description: (1) An all in one presentation that helps students navigate the often confusing process of getting their first internship in cybersecurity from start to finish. (2) Outcomes: Students understand where they are in their journey toward gaining their first internship. Furthermore, understanding in depth each step, and preparing themselves for success so they can stand out during applications. (3) Importance: In an extremely competitive market, it is more important than ever to have the foundations for your application solidified. By implementing the steps in this presentation, you will start off on the right foot, avoiding many common pitfalls and potential hours wasted. (4) Impact: Student's will be equipped for applications, allowing them to hopefully land their first internships. Learning how to fix their resume, optimize their LinkedIn, and send referral requests. (5) Discoveries: Students will learn common mistakes made when making resumes, features on LinkedIn that will allow recruiters to find them, the best places to search for internships specifically, and lastly, how to gain referrals.