NCDOC Talks Cybersecurity with Local Academy Students and Parents

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet
Story by REBECCA SIDERS

Date: 11.07.2018
Posted: 12.03.2018 10:35
News ID: 302014

SUFFOLK, Va. – Capt. Julia Slattery, commanding officer of Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC), and six junior petty officers were guest speakers at a cybersecurity assembly for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy students and their parents on Nov. 7.

The Academy’s Head of Middle School, Michelle Horton, invited NCDOC to speak to their middle and high school students as a part of a cybersecurity assembly, and to return later that evening to speak to the students’ parents.

Slattery began the assembly by taking a poll of how many middle school students had their own personal electronic devices and/or online accounts. The majority of students admitted to having their own devices and having personal accounts to play games and/or social media accounts.

Slattery and the Sailors stationed at NCDOC spoke to the students about the impact of cyber threats to everyday life, shared knowledge of online safety basics and explained how to secure their key accounts for gaming and social media sites. They also discussed what students should do when they experience or witness cyber bullying, harassment or other forms of cybercrime.

The students also asked the Sailors questions about password security, what happens to photos once they are deleted, and how to secure “Internet of Things” devices such as smart appliances in their homes.

“I thought the program was very well done and that the presenters did a great job of connecting with the students and sharing important information about technology and how to use it safely,” said Horton.

“We all have a digital footprint and this may affect your future,” Slattery said to the group of high school students. “Treat your digital life as precious as you treat your physical life. Many employers consider digital presence in making hiring decisions.”

Slattery and the Sailors returned that evening to speak to, and take questions from, parents. The parents were wanted to know how they could better monitor their children’s accounts and their interactive gaming sites. Additionally, they inquired as to what they should do when they see something suspicious with their own accounts or devices.

“I not only learned information about how to keep my child safe, but also how to keep my own information safe. It was a wonderful program,” said one parent.

One of the goals of the outreach program at NCDOC is to collaborate with local academic institutions and share knowledge of cybersecurity best practices to better inform the community.

NCDOC’s mission is to execute defensive cyberspace operations and enable global power projection through proactive network defense and reports operationally to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F).

Since its establishment, FCC/C10F has grown into an operational force composed of more than 14,000 Active and Reserve Sailors and civilians organized into 28 active commands, 40 Cyber Mission Force units, and 26 reserve commands around the globe. FCC serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, and the Navy's Service Cryptologic Component commander under the National Security Agency/Central Security Service. C10F, the operational arm of FCC, executes its mission through a task force structure similar to other warfare commanders. In this role, C10F provides support of Navy and joint missions in cyber/networks, cryptologic/signals intelligence and space.

For more news and information from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/ and follow us on Twitter @USLEETCYBERCOM.