## Ethical Hacking: Cybersecurity in Action with Chirag Malkan
Marquette University is fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through the efforts of individuals like Chirag Malkan, who emphasizes the importance of community building and hands-on learning for aspiring ethical hackers. Malkan’s work, alongside leaders like Karol Lejmbach, a computer science Ph.D. candidate and researcher at Marquette, and Aaron Wasserman, a senior security engineer at Praetorian, aims to strengthen cybersecurity expertise within Wisconsin, especially in protecting critical infrastructure and businesses.The ”Security for the Folks” community leadership team, featuring Malkan, Lejmbach, and Wasserman, is dedicated to growing the cybersecurity field within the state. Malkan consistently stresses the value of practical experience, advising anyone interested in ethical hacking to “tinker” - to constantly experiment, learn from failures, and strive for incremental improvements. he believes that understanding cybersecurity requires continuous exploration and a willingness to refine defenses.
Malkan further encourages engagement with current technological debates, such as those surrounding artificial intelligence and data regulations. He argues that discussing these ”big questions” helps students develop a deeper understanding of the technologies they work with and the broader societal implications of cybersecurity.
Marquette University offers students from all majors the chance to explore cybersecurity through a dedicated cybersecurity minor.This minor equips students with knowledge of the safety, ethics, and growth of technology across various fields. Malkan acknowledges the crucial role of Dr. Debbie Perouli, associate professor of computer science, in establishing the cybersecurity minor and providing students with opportunities for critical thinking in the digital age.
Through both classroom instruction and community involvement, Malkan prepares students to become future leaders in cybersecurity. By connecting students with local professionals and providing them with essential skills, he aims to equip them to address the evolving technological challenges ahead.
Those interested in learning more about cybersecurity and joining the community are encouraged to contact Chirag Malkan at chirag.malkan@marquette.edu.
