Building a Cybersecurity Community: The Rise of Safe Security at Northwestern

In an era where digital threats loom large, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Recognizing this need, Kris Yun, a sophomore in the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) at Northwestern University, took the initiative to create a dedicated space for cybersecurity awareness and education on campus. What began as a one-woman show has blossomed into Safe Security, the premier cybersecurity club at Northwestern, fostering a community of informed and engaged students.

The Genesis of Safe Security

When Kris Yun arrived at Northwestern, she quickly noticed a significant gap in the campus’s cybersecurity landscape. While there were numerous clubs focused on various aspects of computer science, none were dedicated to the critical field of cybersecurity. Driven by her passion and the desire to fill this void, Yun decided to establish Safe Security.

Reflecting on her journey, Yun described her experience as a “scared freshman” who single-handedly navigated the complexities of starting a club. From securing a faculty advisor to obtaining funding from the Student Organization Finance Office, she faced numerous challenges. “It was really, really hard,” Yun admitted. However, the overwhelming turnout at the club’s first meeting filled her with excitement and validated her efforts. “I was really excited to see just how much interest there was in security because a lot of folks empathized with our mission,” she recalled.

Growth and Impact

Since its inception, Safe Security has grown significantly, becoming a hub for students interested in cybersecurity. The club is dedicated to spreading awareness about cybersecurity threats and educating students on how to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. Through regular discussions, training seminars, and technical workshops, Safe Security has created a platform for students to engage with this vital subject matter.

This October, in celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Safe Security launched an innovative Information Hub. This initiative aims to demystify cybersecurity by publishing articles that are accessible to all students, regardless of their technical background. “If I am knowledgeable, I can spread that information to others so they’re knowledgeable,” said Bennett Lindberg, a McCormick junior and co-Director of Technology. “It’s a strength-in-numbers sort of system.”

Collaboration with Academia

The Information Hub is a collaborative effort between Safe Security and Professor Sruti Bhagavatula’s Computer Science 308: Foundations of Security class. Students in the class write articles that are then refined by Safe Security’s educational and technology teams to ensure clarity and accessibility. Chloe Braswell, a Weinberg junior and co-Director of Education, played a pivotal role in revising the initial articles. She joined Safe Security right after its first meeting and has since been instrumental in shaping the club’s educational initiatives.

“The world’s only getting bigger when it comes to the amount of data that exists nowadays and what it means if it were compromised — that’s when cybersecurity comes in,” Braswell explained. This sentiment underscores the urgency of cybersecurity education in today’s data-driven society.

Making Cybersecurity Approachable

One of the primary goals of Safe Security is to make cybersecurity less intimidating for students. Yun recognizes that many individuals view the subject as complex and difficult, which can deter them from engaging with it. By promoting student voices and creating a welcoming environment, Safe Security aims to break down these barriers. “I firmly believe everyone, no matter how involved they are with technology, should care about cybersecurity,” Yun asserted.

She emphasized the interconnectedness of the Northwestern community, stating, “As Northwestern students, we’re all in an ecosystem that involves all of our personal information. If one person gets hacked, that means that there is a vulnerability that can be exploited for every single student account.” This perspective highlights the collective responsibility of students to safeguard their digital lives.

Conclusion

Kris Yun’s journey from a “scared freshman” to the founder of Safe Security exemplifies the power of initiative and community engagement. Through her efforts, Safe Security has not only filled a crucial gap in Northwestern’s campus culture but has also empowered students to take charge of their cybersecurity knowledge. As the club continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the importance of cybersecurity education in an increasingly digital world. With initiatives like the Information Hub, Safe Security is paving the way for a more informed and resilient student body, ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.