GAFFNEY, S.C. (courtesy limestone.edu) — In an appearance that highlighted the need for more cyber security talent in the workforce, the Department of Homeland Security’s Chief Information Security Officer, Kenneth Bible, visited Limestone University on Wednesday, February 14.
As part of his “Overview of Current Issues in Cyber Security and Workforce Needs” presentation, Bible spoke with Limestone students from 1 p.m. until 1:50 p.m. inside Fullerton Auditorium. Corporate and business leaders from the area with an interest in cyber security joined in the conversation.
The visit illuminated the ongoing need for those with cyber security expertise, as both the private and public sectors experience unprecedented online threats. From distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to ransomware extortion, cyber security is a global, cross-border issue. Those with an education in cyber security can expect to encounter an eager job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that information security openings will increase by about one-third by 2032, with median annual pay of $112,000.
This year, Limestone University is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its cyber security program, which was established in 2004. Program participants can choose a major or minor in cyber security and pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Recent graduates have found employment with leading tech companies and government security agencies. Limestone is currently exploring opportunities to offer non-degree certification programs for those looking to enter the cyber security field and for cyber security professionals who want to advance their careers.
About Kenneth Bible: Prior to his current role, Bible served under the Headquarters Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Information as the Assistant Director for the Information Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Division. In this capacity, he also served as the Marine Corps’ Deputy Chief Information Officer and CISO, formulating and providing broad policy guidance for IT, cybersecurity, and communications infrastructure and applications. Previously, Mr. Bible served with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command for almost two decades. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and a master of engineering degree from the University of South Carolina.