by Cara Ramer, Student Public Relations Writer
Cybercrime is accelerating at an alarming rate, with the FBI reporting that losses in the United States reached $12.5 billion in 2023. As phishing scams, malware and data breaches increasingly affect younger users, the need for early cybersecurity education is growing just as quickly.
To help meet that need, Cedarville University students are launching CedarBits, a new four-week cybersecurity camp beginning February 3 for middle school students in grades six through eight. The hands-on program will teach computer safety, digital security fundamentals and basic networking skills, equipping students to navigate the online world more safely.
CedarBits will run Feb. 3, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 from 4–5:30 p.m. and Feb. 24 from 4–6 p.m. in the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity in the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center on Cedarville’s campus.
CedarBits Program Teaches Digital Safety and Cyber Fundamentals
Students will explore topics like password management and digital security practices while completing hands-on work with micro:bit devices to apply cybersecurity principles through creative projects. The program was initiated by students in the Cyber Leader Development Program and will be led by Aaron Luke, a junior cyber operations major from Kearney, Nebraska; Mikhail “Misha” Semenov, a junior cyber operations major from Franklin, Ohio, and Nicholas Sheldon, a junior double-major in cyber operations and computer science from Fairfield, Ohio.
“We want to give middle schoolers a fun, hands-on introduction to cybersecurity — showing them how computers talk to each other, how ‘bad guys’ get in and how they can keep their families’ devices safe,” said Semenov. “Even if they only remember a few core ideas, they’ll walk away with a better understanding of the digital world around them.”
Hands-On Cybersecurity Training Introduces Students to Tech Careers
While the camp focuses on computer and internet safety, it also introduces students to academic areas and career paths in computer science, cyber operations and information technology management — fields that continue to grow as digital systems expand across industries.
Dr. Seth Hamman, director of Cedarville’s Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity, hopes the program will help students discover an interest in cybersecurity.
“Middle school students are at the age where they’re starting to think about the adult world and where they may fit into it,” he said. “Their curiosity gives them the chance to explore their gifts and discover new interests. Whether or not they choose to pursue formal education in cybersecurity, we hope they will benefit from their time at camp."
Early Cyber Education Addresses Growing Online Security Threats
Questions about the program can be directed to the Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity at cybercenter@cedarville.edu.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
