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Cybersecurity Awesomeness Podcast Recap - Episode 123: Cybersecurity and the New School Year

Sep 18, 2025 7:31:05 AM

Welcome to the recap of the Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) Cybersecurity Awesomeness (CSA) Podcast. Hosted by Chris Steffen, Vice President of Research and Ken Buckler, Research Director at EMA, the CSA Podcast covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from cyber workforce talent shortages to cyber threat intelligence, to current events in technology and security. This short, laidback podcast is for listeners of all skill levels and backgrounds.

The back-to-school season has evolved beyond the simple joys of new school supplies. This year, the spotlight is firmly on the intersection of education, cybersecurity, and the rapidly advancing realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode of the Cybersecurity Awesomeness Podcast, hosts Chris Steffen and Ken Buckler delve into these pivotal themes, exploring how they impact students and educators, and also the broader implications for IT practitioners and decision-makers in education technology.

With schools increasingly integrating cybersecurity training into their curriculum, we see a shift that recognizes the importance of preparing students for the digital realities they face. The podcast emphasizes that schools are not only focusing on technical threats, but also on instilling a fundamental understanding of online safety. The hosts express their admiration for initiatives like badge scanning systems for school buses, highlighting how physical security measures can also integrate seamlessly into educational settings. These advancements enhance safety and also serve as real-world applications of cybersecurity principles that children and educators must understand.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts discuss the role of AI in the educational landscape. With technology becoming omnipresent in students’ lives, the podcast unpacks concerns surrounding dependencies on AI tools for learning. While the rapid pace of technological innovation often spurs debates about its impacts—some educators argue against student access to technology or the sufficiency of traditional learning methods—Ken and Chris point to the necessity of adapting curricula to encompass the new digital tools available. They argue for striking a balance between fostering essential academic skills and leveraging AI as a supportive educational tool.

Moreover, the hosts underscore the development of critical thinking, suggesting that while AI can assist in brainstorming and preliminary research, the core learning experience must involve deeper engagement with subject matter. This line of thought resonates with IT professionals who understand that learning how to use technology efficiently is as critical as the content itself. They raise important questions about the future of educational practices and how institutions can best position students for both academic success and digital literacy in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

As the podcast draws to a close, Chris and Ken emphasize the vital role parents and educators play in nurturing a culture of security awareness within schools. Engaging children in discussions about cybersecurity and teaching them about online safety at a young age can empower them to navigate the complex digital world responsibly. It’s an opportunity for families to collaboratively foster a better understanding of these essential skills.

For IT professionals and educational decision-makers, the dialogue in this podcast offers invaluable insights into how the next generation of learners can reshuffle the existing paradigms of education, technology, and security. With technology evolving daily, understanding its ramifications is not just beneficial; it is vital for shaping future educational landscapes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain further insights from Chris and Ken as they explore these fascinating topics. Tune into the Cybersecurity Awesomeness Podcast for an engaging and educational experience. Furthermore, we encourage you to visit Enterprise Management Associates online at www.enterprisemanagement.com to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly shifting landscape of IT and education.

You can find the Cybersecurity Awesomeness Podcast at www.cybersecurityawesomeness.com. To gain deeper insights and hear firsthand comments from Chris and Ken on these vital topics, we invite you to listen to the full podcast. Furthermore, for more resources and expertise on cybersecurity, visit Enterprise Management Associates at www.enterprisemanagement.com.

Topics: Cybersecurity

Chris Steffen & Ken Buckler

Written by Chris Steffen & Ken Buckler

Christopher Steffen, CISSP, CISA, is the vice president of research at EMA, covering information security, risk, and compliance management. Before EMA, he served as the CIO for a financial services firm, focusing on FedRAMP compliance and security. He has also served in executive and leadership roles in numerous industry verticals. Steffen has presented at numerous industry conferences and has been interviewed by multiple online and print media sources. Steffen holds over a dozen technical certifications, including CISSP and CISA.

Kenneth Buckler, CASP, is a research director of information security/risk and compliance management for Enterprise Management Associates, a leading industry analyst and consulting firm that provides deep insight across the full spectrum of IT and data management technologies. Before EMA, he supported a Federal agency’s Enterprise Visibility program, providing security insights and compliance trending for the agency’s national network of computers and devices. He has also served in technical hands-on roles across multiple agencies in the Federal cyber security space and has published three Cyber Security books. Ken holds multiple technical certifications, including CompTIA’s Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) certification.

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