June Millennial of the Month: Ciera Lovitt-Gaughf
MAP is amplifying the voices of the largest and most diverse generation: millennials. Join us as we share important issues that impact young Americans and highlight noteworthy millennial movers and shakers.
This month, we’re showcasing millennials in the cyber safety and security field who work to make the digital world safe. Ciera Lovitt-Gaughf is a the Education Program Specialist for the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, where she’s been since 2011 overseeing the creation, development and implementation of all the Center’s educational programs for Parents, Seniors and Children. She also helps create and write the Garfield’s Cyber Safety Adventures and is passionate about helping people stay safe online.
Tell us a bit about yourself — how did you get your start in cybersafety?
I first began supporting cyber security professionals with their certification requirements at (ISC)2. A few years down the road, a position became available in the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and I was eager to make the move and support member volunteers in keeping children safe online. From there, I grew with the organization and began expanding our cyber safety curriculums and programs with the guidance of several experts in the field.
Can you tell us more about the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and (ISC)2’s work and your role there?
(ISC)2 is a global, nonprofit membership organization that certifies and trains cybersecurity professionals. It’s a wonderful organization that not only provides a community for like-minded cyber professionals, but ensures those in the field are backing up their experience and expertise with highly sought-after certifications. From just getting started all the way to retirement, the organization supports and encourages cyber security professionals through their careers with continuing professional education, and networking and career opportunities.
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education is the charitable arm of (ISC)2. We are technically a separate organization, a 501(C)3, that exists to ensure everyone across the globe, children and families in particular, have a safe and positive experience online. We accomplish this through our scholarship, research, and education programs. My role is to develop our Education programs which currently consist of materials for children, parents, and senior citizens.
Our children’s program is especially near and dear to my heart. We’re extremely fortunate that Jim Davis, the man behind the beloved cat, Garfield, is also passionate about keeping children safe and partnered with us to provide fun, interactive lessons that teach children about various situations in the online world and how to handle them. But in the end, both organizations are after the same thing and in fact share a vision: Inspiring a Safe and Secure Cyber World.
What’s the current landscape for cyber safety — greatest challenges, opportunities, bipartisan ways of improving the system at the national level, etc.?
I’m going to speak on cyber safety for children and families, specifically. There is a very large gap in accessibility to the internet and training on how to use it safely. Families can learn to identity and handle phishing and scam attempts, know how to safely store their personal information, create and store strong passwords, and know which sites and behaviors are going to keep them safe online. The worst possible scenario for children and families happens all the time, everywhere. Our most vulnerable are lured straight into the arms of a predator. These stories are heartbreaking, to say the least, and though we may feel helpless, there are things we can do to prevent these situations from continuing to happen.
As a nation, we have got to prioritize the safety of our children and, in my opinion, start mandating that schools incorporate cyber safety education into the classroom for all ages. Educators are already stretched extremely thin, and we need to provide them resources and especially time for this important topic. Cyber safety is never going away. It may evolve, but it’s here to stay and it’s high time that more attention and prioritization is given to it.
What advice would you offer to fellow millennials wishing to get involved in the cybersecurity field?
We love moving fast, we love a good challenge, and we certainly love exceeding everyone’s expectations. There are seldom few careers out there that provide such a rewarding, engaging, and lucrative career. Best of all, you literally get to beat the bad guys. No matter which part of cybersecurity that you enter, the ultimate goal is to be one step ahead. Whether you decide to be on the frontlines as an offensive security engineer, the person making sure that staff is trained in security awareness, or the security specialist making sure an organization is compliant in privacy laws, the options are ever-growing. Get an education, get a certification, and jump in. Starting in a helpdesk position or similar is not a bad idea and will get you familiar with technology and how to protect it.
What does bipartisanship mean to you?
Bipartisanship is meeting in the middle. It’s not letting a side stop you from doing what’s right and coming together. It’s being bigger than party lines and doing what needs to be done because it’s the right thing to do.
Cybersecurity effects everyone no matter what phase of life, where they’ve come from, or where they are going. This can’t be a partisan issue. Everyone has got to come together in realizing the importance of securing data and becoming cyber safe. We need cyber safety training in schools, and we need the older children to consider going into this field. I truly have hope that one day there will be more good guys than bad guys, but for that to happen, there cannot be sides amongst the good guys.
Favorite and/or most used phone app?
This is a great app that lets you raise money for a charity of your choice while walking/running. I love it.
One random item you can’t live without?
It’s not very random, but cats. One day I’ll be a crazy cat lady, and I’m okay with that.
Favorite binge show + binge food combo?
Bob’s Burgers and Indian Food. I’ll take one or the other, but they are better together.
