KILLEEN, Texas — According to Accenture's 2021 State of Cybersecurity Resilience, the average cyber attacks per company increased 31% from 2020 to 2021.

Recently, A&M-Central Texas in Killeen was awarded a $4.2 million cybersecurity contract. 

The university recently opened a Center for Cybersecuriy, which it has already taken advantage of by hosting a summer camp for students. The cybersecurity camp gives students a free opportunity to explore cybersecurity careers and practice safe online behavior.

In her spare time, 17-year-old Laura Webb enjoys creating content for her YouTube channel.

"What I do is I transcribe music," Webb said. "I listen to a song by ear and then I create sheet music based on that song."

Webb's ultimate goal is a career in computer science; however, she says growing up in a small town has limited her exposure to the field. 

"At my school it's mainly agriculture," Webb said. "I've been having to actively seek out computer programs."

Computer Information Systems major Emely Balseca understands how she feels.

"This would be my first opportunity getting experience into the computer field," Balseca said. 

The two recently took part in the cybersecurity camp for high school students at A&M-Central Texas. Webb was a participant and Balseca was a student assistant.

"To get more exposure to computers and get an introduction," Balseca said. 

The university recently opened a new Center for Cybersecurity Innovation led by Dr. Anitha Chennamaneni. 

"The cybercrime is on the rise and there's really, really a shortage of skilled workforce in cybersecurity. So it's very important that we introduce this particular field to our youth," Chennamaneni said. 

Webb can't wait for her next opportunity to learn even more about information technology.

"We even had some companies come down here and speak to us about cybersecurity," Webb said. "I really do wish that we had more of these kinds of camps."