It this fast pitch, blockchain technology and its potential applications are presented. We will explore so called decentralized transparent immutable yet secured applications using the blockchain technology and will describe a novel approach of “proof of X” such as proof of identity, proof of college degree and proof of academic achievements. The project prototype of a personal archive service system (PASS) is demonstrated. Personal archive is defined as a collection of various artifacts that reflect personal portfolio as well as personal unique identifications.

Forecasters are predicting a catastrophic shortage in workers to fill open positions in cybersecurity by 2020. We are not developing enough qualified candidates for this field, but by the time students enroll in a higher education institution, it may already be too late as many students are unable to handle the complexity and continually changing environment in cybersecurity. We propose starting a discussion on a new pedagogical approach to cybersecurity education based on our past strength in innovation.

This proposal reports on the success and lessons learnt of an innovative and interdisciplinary project (funded by the NSA) with the objective of enhancing Cybersecurity education in western PA. This project implemented six different services that worked collaboratively to identify and address challenges facing Cybersecurity education. A focus of this funded project was to implement a novel program to enhance communications skills (soft skills) of Cybersecurity students and those aspiring to enter this promising field.

Within the past few decades, cybersecurity has grown from individual concerns to a national-level issue. With such an explosive growth, there has been a discrepancy between the increasing demand for a better cybersecurity knowledge base and cybersecurity workers who are struggling to keep up. Government, academia, and the private sector have taken initiatives in order to fulfill these discrepancies with varying methods and levels of success. Additionally, considerable amount of research for each sector spanning across multiple disciplines have been conducted.