At the annual SC&I RUCyberCon 2025, SC&I Information Technology and Informatics students engaged with experts in the field of cybersecurity to enhance their academic studies and career opportunities. Even with a busy schedule and notable speakers, the event provided ample opportunities for the students and speakers to mix.

Hosted by the SC&I Information Technology and Informatics Program and the Rutgers Cybersecurity Club from 12 to 5 p.m. on April 25, over 100 Rutgers students across a broad range of majors attended.

Organized by SC&I Assistant Teaching Professor of Library and Information Science LeAnne Barclay-Platenburg and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Information Technology and Informatics and Assistant Teaching Professor Warren Allen, the aim of the annual event was to provide students who are interested in cybersecurity with an opportunity to learn about the field from experts outside of SC&I, since Rutgers does not offer a degree in cybersecurity.

“Rutgers doesn’t have a cybersecurity major or minor, so students who are interested in this area tend to major in IT & Informatics or Computer Science and then find other ways to explore this passion. That’s why the SC&I and RUSEC support for this new event is so crucial,” Allen said.

Event highlights included a keynote speech from emelin flores ITI’21, senior privacy engineer for 1Password; a presentation from Catharine Tarquinio, information security awareness and training analyst at Rutgers, regarding job scams; and Rutgers Security Club (RUSEC) presentations on privacy, dark web analysis, and infostealers. Barclay-Platenburg hosted a panel of privacy professionals.

Flores, who spoke about privacy within technology, emphasized the importance of the work being done by privacy engineers. “Privacy isn’t dead—it’s alive, but it needs our protection. As technology advances and smart cities expand, our digital and physical selves are increasingly exposed. Security measures alone aren’t enough. We must stay informed, intentional, and proactive about privacy to navigate an ever more invasive world and reclaim a sense of safety and autonomy,” Flores said.

The speakers and panels provided the opportunity for students to gain real insight into the cybersecurity field. "In the second year of the event, the Rutgers Security Club really stepped up and presented cool technical talks. I am excited to see what they come up with for next year’s CyberCon,” said Allen.

Flores, who spoke about privacy within technology, emphasized the importance of the work being done by privacy engineers. “Privacy isn’t dead—it’s alive, but it needs our protection. As technology advances and smart cities expand, our digital and physical selves are increasingly exposed. Security measures alone aren’t enough. We must stay informed, intentional, and proactive about privacy to navigate an ever more invasive world and reclaim a sense of safety and autonomy,” Flores said.

Students who attended benefited from an engaging and informative event that provided a variety of perspectives on cybersecurity.

As the annual event continues to flourish, Allen said plans are already set to host it again in 2026.

Learn more about the Information Technology and Informatics major and the Library and Information Science Department on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website.