JROTC Learns About Cyberspace Security At USM

It's one of the best programs around, and it has been going on for years.

"It gave me the understanding that I can achieve something that no one would let me go for," the JROTC Lt. Colonel, Tonie Tarrio said.

"Ten of thousands of students have reaped the benefits of this program," said the Director of Army JROTC for Jackson Public School District, Paul Willis.

The program is Junior ROTC. Jackson and the Mobile county public schools came together Friday at USM to discuss a new form of national security.

Retired army veteran and current USM technology manager, Daniel Demott spoke with students Friday about the importance of cyber-security.

"Well we talk about cyber-security, so were are talking about everything of today's technology that we call the internet, and everything on there is connected" said Demott. "So our personal information is more vulnerable today than it was ten years ago."

Currently, cyber crimes are on the rise. According to statistics the damage of cyber crimes will cost the world approximately 6 trillion dollars by the year of 2021.

Cyber-space security consists of a number of technologies but the biggest threat could actually be our cellphones.

"Designing and developing new technology to protect that will be paramount in the future," Demott said.

Demott believes the nation's future is in good hands with these Junior ROTC cadets taking the right step here today.