Ever since he was 6 years old, Landon Buscher, junior, held an interest in computer programming and cybersecurity, and even participated in numerous competitions related to the field. 

After enrolling in the Cybersecurity class at MHS, Buscher realized there are many other students who share his passion for the field.

 “I’m relatively familiar with cybersecurity, and I figured that I could use my experience to help others who also might be interested as well.” Buscher said.

Eventually, Buscher contacted Nathan Frankenberger, computer science teacher, to sponsor a cybersecurity club. Frankenberger agreed, and shortly after, Buscher began contacting students for recruiting and created advertisements for the club.

Buscher said his main goal is to educate students on the importance of cybersecurity and even encourage them to participate in national competitions and programs such as CyberPatriot, an organization that directs students to careers in cybersecurity and computer science. 

“We’re on our phones and computers all day, so understanding the implications on how digital safety affects all of us is really important,” Buscher said.

Frankenberger said there has always been an interest in having a cybersecurity-based course or club at MHS. The class was offered this year for the first time based on curriculum from Project Lead the Way (PLTW), before Buscher began work on starting the club.

Frankenberger said the course’s main focus is understanding personal security based on what people put out on the internet and social media. 

“It is not an attempt to scare anybody. It’s just making you aware of what you are putting out there,” Frankenberger said. “Who gets access to it and what they could be doing with it.”

The class and the club could potentially interest students in cybersecurity-based careers in the future, Frankenberger said.

Frankenberger said he is excited to see the students potentially participate in many programs and competitions specifically through the club 

“I’m eager to see how the kids here compare to kids all across the country, even around the world,” Frankenberger said. 

Keerthana Thallam, junior, joined the club as its vice president because she intends to major in cybersecurity and enjoyed the class. Her own Instagram account was hacked in the past.

“I like programming and the field of looking through the tiny steps into how our system is being protected,” Thallam said.

Thallam said she is looking forward to participating in the club’s events.