BEDFORD, Ohio — Over 30 Bedford High School students glimpsed into a future career in high demand at TrustedSec’s state-of-the-art cybersecurity complex.
“Looks like everything you see in the movies, right?” remarked Bedford High School Junior Sofia Lopresti.
The company is a world leader in protecting major brands, our military, and even the Cleveland Cavaliers from cyber-attacks.
“We have all of these different pieces of technology embedded into our lives defibrillators, heart monitors, critical infrastructure for power, financial systems, how we go to the banks, these are all vulnerable to cyber-attacks,” said TrustedSec Founder and CEO, Dave Kennedy.
A hands-on hacking demonstration served as the launch for Bedford’s new cybersecurity program, that will provide students cutting-edge training in the field. For Dave Kennedy, A Bedford High School alum, this is a dream come true.
“I never thought I would be owning one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the world, and here I am today, being able provide that opportunity for the next generation of hackers,” Kennedy said.
“I like how vast it is. There's so many different parts and pieces you can go into,” stated Mikeia Little, a Bedford High Junior talking about the cybersecurity field.
Students saw examples of how devices are hacked. They even tried some lock picking. But the computer hacking, was an eye opener.
“My favorite part was definitely Mr. Kennedy showing us on the screens how easy it is to find people's information. It kind of put into perspective how vulnerable we all really are,” said Little.
Students graduate with industry certifications, college credits and career-ready skills that could lead to immediate employment.
“Our goal is really to hire as many kids as we possibly can right out of high school, no college degrees, and give them an opportunity to get some really well paid and high paid jobs,” said Kennedy.
“There's no better way to have that hands on experience, to best support the goals of our children to, than to have partnerships like this with TrustedSec,” said the Superintendent Bedford City Schools, Dr. Cassandra Johnson.
After seeing what career could be in their future – students we spoke with say they’re convinced cybersecurity is for them.
“Really just showed how it's actually a real thing that like, I can pursue,” said Lopresti.
This the second time TrustedSec has teamed up with Bedford High, the company previously established the high-tech esports gaming and career center at the school.