![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.neit.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_4048-scaled-e1737751752508.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div><\/div>Meet the Expert: Katie Truchon<\/h2>
Assistant Professor of Computer Science, New England Institute of Technology<\/p>
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Q: What are the biggest challenges in keeping personal data secure in today\u2019s digital world?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>The biggest challenge in keeping data secure in my opinion is that in today\u2019s world, there is just SO much data! Most digital interactions, and all online interactions, generate some sort of data associated with \u201cus\u201d or our devices. The data created is multiplied exponentially when we create accounts, make purchases, or even view posts on social media. Today\u2019s digital citizens should always operate under the assumption that their data will be part of a security leak – it is not an if<\/em> but a when<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe simplest advice I can give is: always keep your devices\u2019 software and applications updated, as most updates support increased security measures or patch pre-existing issues so they can no longer serve as a threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nQ: How does cybersecurity play a role in data protection?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>From network analysts to cybersecurity defense engineers, cybersecurity and networking industry leaders work on building more secure networks as well as monitoring, analyzing, and improving upon said networks, systems, and processes. A key contemporary emphasis has been directed at building networks and systems with security in mind, in addition to adding layers of security checks throughout a system. Effective strategies differ depending on the needs and application, but can help support protection and continued privacy of data. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe role of security does not stop at the creation of a \u201csecure\u201d network however, and consistent monitoring, analyzing, and improving upon the network and systems should be implemented to ensure lurking exploits cannot be taken advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nQ: How are 萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity graduates shaping the future of data protection and making a meaningful impact in the field?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity and networking students get to practice hands-on applications throughout their 12 quarters in our program, not only in cybersecurity but traditional network engineering as well. The program provides students with a foundational background to computer and machine networks, so they not only learn how to protect, but how to recognize protection needs, what to prioritize within their protection plans, and how to execute, monitor, and maintain more secure systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOur Cybersecurity & Network Engineering program has also been designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which has rigorous standards related to our program and course objectives. Our CyberBit<\/a> range, utilized in course labs and our extracurricular Capture the Flag club, provide students with real-world exercises which give them industry-level experience and prepare them to be able to contribute immediately once they enter the workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The simplest advice I can give is: always keep your devices\u2019 software and applications updated, as most updates support increased security measures or patch pre-existing issues so they can no longer serve as a threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How does cybersecurity play a role in data protection?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>From network analysts to cybersecurity defense engineers, cybersecurity and networking industry leaders work on building more secure networks as well as monitoring, analyzing, and improving upon said networks, systems, and processes. A key contemporary emphasis has been directed at building networks and systems with security in mind, in addition to adding layers of security checks throughout a system. Effective strategies differ depending on the needs and application, but can help support protection and continued privacy of data. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe role of security does not stop at the creation of a \u201csecure\u201d network however, and consistent monitoring, analyzing, and improving upon the network and systems should be implemented to ensure lurking exploits cannot be taken advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nQ: How are 萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity graduates shaping the future of data protection and making a meaningful impact in the field?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity and networking students get to practice hands-on applications throughout their 12 quarters in our program, not only in cybersecurity but traditional network engineering as well. The program provides students with a foundational background to computer and machine networks, so they not only learn how to protect, but how to recognize protection needs, what to prioritize within their protection plans, and how to execute, monitor, and maintain more secure systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOur Cybersecurity & Network Engineering program has also been designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which has rigorous standards related to our program and course objectives. Our CyberBit<\/a> range, utilized in course labs and our extracurricular Capture the Flag club, provide students with real-world exercises which give them industry-level experience and prepare them to be able to contribute immediately once they enter the workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of security does not stop at the creation of a \u201csecure\u201d network however, and consistent monitoring, analyzing, and improving upon the network and systems should be implemented to ensure lurking exploits cannot be taken advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How are 萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity graduates shaping the future of data protection and making a meaningful impact in the field?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nKT: <\/strong>萌妹社区\u2019s cybersecurity and networking students get to practice hands-on applications throughout their 12 quarters in our program, not only in cybersecurity but traditional network engineering as well. The program provides students with a foundational background to computer and machine networks, so they not only learn how to protect, but how to recognize protection needs, what to prioritize within their protection plans, and how to execute, monitor, and maintain more secure systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOur Cybersecurity & Network Engineering program has also been designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which has rigorous standards related to our program and course objectives. Our CyberBit<\/a> range, utilized in course labs and our extracurricular Capture the Flag club, provide students with real-world exercises which give them industry-level experience and prepare them to be able to contribute immediately once they enter the workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our Cybersecurity & Network Engineering program has also been designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), which has rigorous standards related to our program and course objectives. Our CyberBit<\/a> range, utilized in course labs and our extracurricular Capture the Flag club, provide students with real-world exercises which give them industry-level experience and prepare them to be able to contribute immediately once they enter the workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n