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Students
Rooted in History, Wired for the Future
When Steven Schiavone vlogƵ26 cracked his dadvlogƵs laptop password in seventh grade, he wasnvlogƵt trying to launch a cybersecurity careervlogƵhe just wanted to play a video game. vlogƵAnytime I wanted to download a new game, I needed his permission because I didnvlogƵt have administrator access,vlogƵ he says. With help from his best friend, he cracked the password and got in.
vlogƵI proudly showed my dadvlogƵwho happened to be a Senior Vice President of Global Technology at Bank of America.vlogƵ
This pride was the start of StevenvlogƵs fervent passion for cybersecurity. HevlogƵs three years into his BS in Information Technology, a CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service scholarship recipient, the incoming president of the , and a student manager in the Digital Forensics Lab at PacevlogƵs New York City Campus.
Companies and individuals donvlogƵt have a choice about cybersecurity anymore.
Steven takes cybersecurity seriously because, according to him, it affects us all. vlogƵIt's 2025. Companies and individuals donvlogƵt have a choice about cybersecurity anymore,vlogƵ he says. In a world where our most sensitive informationvlogƵbanking details, medical histories, even genetic datavlogƵis stored online, cybersecurity affects everyone. vlogƵWhether or not you have ever touched a keyboard, the security of your data affects your livelihood.vlogƵ
StevenvlogƵs dedication to cybersecurity is rooted in servicevlogƵespecially to his fellow cybersecurity peers. As the team captain for the Cybersecurity ClubvlogƵs competitive Collegiate Cyber Defense Team, he created a 120-page contingency guide to help his teammates prepare for the competition against professional hackers for the U.S. government. But that dedication goes beyond school, as he prepares to bring that mindset to government service. Recipients of the CyberCorps® scholarship are expected to work for a federal, state, or local government for a time equal to their amount of aid. vlogƵThis opportunity recognizes a dream of mine,vlogƵ says Steven. vlogƵI want to keep these critical systems secure. I want to keep soldiers secure. I want to protect our nationvlogƵs infrastructure from hackers that are taking down hospitals and gas pipelines.vlogƵ
While his cybersecurity work is focused on defending the systems of tomorrow, Steven also works to preserve the past. Steven volunteers close to home at in Wall, New Jersey, where he maintains and demos one of the first ever digital computers fielded by the Navy. vlogƵI run a 1969 naval firing computer called the UNIVAC 1219,vlogƵ he explains. vlogƵThese half-ton gray behemoths of computing were installed on United States naval ships for managing their Terrier, Talos, and Tartar missile systems.vlogƵ
Even his decision to come to Pace is at least partially rooted in an appreciation of the past. Not only is his mother a Pace alumna of the Class of vlogƵ96, but both of his parents worked in New YorkvlogƵs Financial District, and his father worked in the World Financial Center during the vlogƵ90s and early 2000s. vlogƵThree of my four grandparents came through Ellis Island, and all put down roots here,vlogƵ he says. vlogƵWe're in the capital of the world. Culturally, diplomatically, financially, you name it. Everything happens here.vlogƵ
But beyond an amazing location, Pace also offered the expertise he was seeking. vlogƵI talked to people in the Cybersecurity Club and they all seemed very knowledgeable and qualified.vlogƵ The faculty also serve as a great inspiration to him. vlogƵI have these professors who do incredibly meaningful workvlogƵProfessor Joe Acampora is probably one of the smartest minds in cybersecurity, and Pace is so lucky to have him,vlogƵ he says. vlogƵAnd Dr. Darren Hayes, my direct supervisor in the Digital Forensics Lab and Director of Cybersecurity, is incredibly intelligent and well networked.vlogƵ
I have these professors who do incredibly meaningful work.
From cracking his dadvlogƵs password at age twelve and running a Cold War naval computer, to leading his teams to victory in cybersecurity competitions, Steven SchiavonevlogƵs passion is grounded in history and powered by his sense of duty. Our digital future is in safe hands.
Read more about cybersecurity at Pace or .
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