GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A group of hackers took over downtown Grand Rapids Wednesday, attacking virtual systems and devising new ways to defend others.
Your security isn’t in danger. The hackers were practicing at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology as part of its 7th annual Purple Event.
Abraham Jones, a member of the WMCAT steering committee, said the event gives hackers a rare opportunity to legally do what they’re good at.
“Individuals can come to this facility and actually train in a safe space,” Jones said. “Where you can be sure you’re not going go to prison if you’re doing a lot of these activities.”
WMCAT’s Cyber Hub is among six in Michigan, but it’s the only of its kind in West Michigan that isn’t affiliated with a school or military operation, giving members unprecedented access. Cyber Hub program manager Anthony Tuttle said there are few barriers to entry.
“Whether you are a college student or recent graduate, entry-level employee all the way up to the technical expert — we’re not age-specific, we’re not employment-specific, we’re not industry- or sector-specific,” Tuttle said. “By reducing those barriers, the better we’ll be able to prepare people for careers in IT and cyber security.”
Tuttle envisions a pipeline coming out of WMCAT that keeps talent local.
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