CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) Security is collaborating with Boston College to bring cybersecurity awareness and training to Boston area teenagers through a full-day workshop on May 5, 2017. Hosted at IBM Security offices in Cambridge, 9(th) grade girls from St. Mary's High School in Lynn, MA and Mt. Alvernia High School in Newton, MA will learn tips for protecting their personal data and digital reputations, engage in hands-on cybersecurity games and activities, and hear from local experts about career options in this fast-growing industry.

Cybersecurity is an industry facing a huge workforce shortage, expected to reach 1.8 million open cybersecurity positions by 2022, and with women only representing 11% of the global security workforce.(1)

For the first time, Boston College's Cybersecurity Policy and Governance graduate degree program at the Woods College of Advancing Studies, which is one the nation's first such program, will be working with IBM Security to organize and participate in the event. This combination of academic and industry expertise will provide the girls with a variety of perspectives on education and careers in the cybersecurity industry.

IBM Security developed the CyberDay4Girls program in 2016, with the goal of reaching girls at a younger age to build their interest in cybersecurity careers and help address the gender gap in security. This program has reached over 200 girls over the past six months, with events taking place across the U.S. and Canada.

This is the second CyberDay4Girls event taking place in the Boston metro area, following the launch of CyberDay4Girls last October at IBM Security's Cambridge offices. IBM intends to host dozens of similar events across the globe this year, with the goal of reaching an additional 1,000 students with this program by the end of 2017.

About IBM Security
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Media Contact:
Cassy Lalan
IBM Security, Media Relations
cllalan@us.ibm.com
319-230-2232

(1) 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study: Women in Security

SOURCE IBM

SOURCE: IBM