Northern Kentucky University Student Selected for Historic U.S. Women’s Cyber Team
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — In a groundbreaking achievement, Sarah Ogden, a student at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), has been selected to represent the United States on the inaugural U.S. Women’s Cyber Team. This team is set to compete in global cybersecurity competitions while also serving as ambassadors to inspire and increase the representation of women in the cybersecurity field.
A Rising Star in Cybersecurity
Sarah Ogden is entering her second year at NKU, but due to her impressive academic performance, she will be classified as a junior by credit hours. Pursuing a double major in cybersecurity and data science, Ogden is on track to graduate with honors in 2027. Her journey into the world of technology began at a young age, as she fondly recalls her father referring to her as “tech support” whenever he faced technical difficulties at home.
“I’ve always been interested in programming. I did lots of programming camps when I was younger,” Ogden shared, reflecting on her early passion for technology. It was during these formative years that she discovered cybersecurity competitions, which captivated her with their unique blend of challenge and teamwork.
The Thrill of Competition
Cybersecurity competitions typically come in two formats: Jeopardy! style puzzle questions and team-based attack defense scenarios. Ogden describes the latter as an exhilarating experience where participants work collaboratively to secure their systems against simulated attacks. “We kind of all huddle up and we try to make the computers as secure as possible while you’re getting attacked,” she explained. “I was like, this is really fun. I have to do this.”
Her enthusiasm and talent did not go unnoticed at NKU. Computer science professor Maurine Doyle recognized Ogden’s potential early on. “I think her curiosity drives her, and her interest,” Doyle remarked. When Ogden learned about a women’s cybersecurity group that had lost momentum, she took the initiative to revive it, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to fostering a supportive community for women in tech.
A Milestone Achievement
Ogden’s hard work and dedication culminated in her selection for the U.S. Women’s Cyber Team after competing in the U.S. Cyber Open. The moment she received the email confirming her selection was unforgettable. “I read the email, and I was like, ‘no way!’ So I ran downstairs to my parents, and I was like, ‘Look at this! Check it out,’” she recalled with excitement.
The U.S. Women’s Cyber Team is composed of 12 highly skilled women, all of whom share a passion for increasing female representation in cybersecurity. As they prepare for global competitions, Ogden and her teammates will also focus on outreach efforts aimed at encouraging more girls to explore careers in this vital field.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity
The need for women in cybersecurity has never been more pressing. As Ogden pointed out, “When you look at the disparities between how many guys are in cyber versus how many girls are in cyber, it’s like, okay, if we can get girls interested in cyber, that would make a huge difference in the cybersecurity workforce.”
Doyle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of representation: “There is an advantage to seeing people that look like you in the field. And unemployment in cybersecurity is quite high. With Artificial Intelligence coming in, there are going to be even more jobs.”
Upcoming Events and Future Aspirations
In November, Ogden will travel to Tokyo to participate in a special women’s cyber games exhibition at the 2024 Code Blue Conference. This event marks a significant milestone not only for Ogden but for women in cybersecurity as a whole. Additionally, a ceremony celebrating the commissioning of the U.S. Women’s Cyber Team will take place at the United States Capitol Building on September 18.
As Ogden embarks on this exciting journey, she remains committed to her studies and her mission to inspire future generations of women in technology. “When you’re working in cybersecurity, there’s never a moment where you’re like, ‘Oh, they don’t need me.’ Because even if they don’t know they need you, they need you,” she stated confidently.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology and facing constant cyber threats, the contributions of women like Sarah Ogden are essential. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female technologists everywhere, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.