The need for robust cybersecurity extends far beyond large cities and urban centers in today’s digital world. While cyber threats often target metropolitan areas due to their concentration of valuable assets, rural communities face unique challenges that must not be overlooked. Despite the perception that these areas are less susceptible to attacks, they are just as vulnerable — if not more so.
Agriculture is the backbone of many rural areas and a critical component of the global food supply. According to the USDA, “The United States is the largest global exporter of corn, is among the top wheat and rice suppliers and is responsible for one-quarter of the world’s meat exports.” Agriculture now relies on automation and cloud storage, increasing productivity and digital risks. Securing the critical infrastructure that provides the U.S. with food and clean water is more important than ever.
At a 2024 agriculture threat symposium hosted by the FBI, Special Agent Gene Kowel stated, “Almost all of our complex machinery is connected to the internet, connected to the cloud, so protecting that control and protecting that data is critical.” Because of this dependence on technology, the agriculture sector — and the rural communities it supports — is highly susceptible to ransomware, malware and data theft. Protecting these networks is crucial to national security and infrastructure resilience.
Boise State University is addressing this issue through its Cyber Operations and Resilience program. This initiative recognizes that rural communities are integral to national infrastructure yet receive fewer resources for cybersecurity compared to urban areas. By investing in online education and hands-on training, the program helps secure critical infrastructure and expands access to cybersecurity education for individuals, no matter where they live.
Vulnerabilities and the importance of rural network security
Rural communities depend on essential infrastructure such as agriculture and small healthcare facilities. These systems are tempting targets because of their significance and lower levels of protection. Additionally, rural areas often have smaller IT and cybersecurity budgets, leading to outdated systems and limited access to advanced security measures. With most cybersecurity professionals drawn to large cities, rural areas also face a shortage of trained personnel to combat cyber threats, making them prime targets for attacks.
Ashley Richardson-Sequeira, an alumna and adjunct instructor in Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience program, has firsthand experience with these challenges. “Many folks in my community don’t think they’re a target for threat actors. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Due to a lack of awareness, many people fall victim to online scams,” she said. These threats range from phishing scams and identity theft to large-scale ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
“Rural communities are a very likely target, and more training in phishing, scams and better enterprise IT management will go a long way,” Richardson-Sequeira added. “I don’t know that many of these farmers know how to protect the technologies they rely on every day.” Her work exemplifies how cybersecurity education can help close the gap between urban and rural digital security.
Kyle Pruitt, another student in the program, shares similar concerns. When asked about securing rural infrastructure, he said, “I think rural infrastructure is going to get more and more centralized because many rural communities don’t see the need for cybersecurity, don’t have the money for it, or both.”
How Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience Program benefits rural students
Kyle Pruitt, from Fairfield, Idaho, and Ashley Richardson-Sequeira, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, have both greatly benefited from Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience program. Its fully remote, cost-effective and flexible structure allows students to gain cybersecurity expertise while staying in the rural communities they love.
Pruitt, who is raising a family in Fairfield, chose the program because he wanted to stay close to home. “Instead of making my job the center of our lives, how do we make something happen right here in Fairfield?” he asked. Unable to attend in-person classes, he needed a half-time schedule, and the program’s flexibility was exactly what he needed.
Being able to take one class at a time made success possible for Pruitt when other programs wouldn’t have fit his lifestyle. Financial aid guidance from Boise State also helped him afford his education. Now, he’s building a stable future for his family through cybersecurity.
How Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience program is bridging the gap
Someone no longer needs to live in a tech hub like Silicon Valley or Austin to excel in cybersecurity. Rural communities can also be great places to launch and grow careers in the field. Pruitt and Richardson-Sequeira are proof of that.
While living in his rural town, Pruitt has worked as an assistant network engineer for Brigham Young University. Richardson-Sequeira, meanwhile, is a sales engineer at Cyware Labs, a cybersecurity operations company. She credits the Cyber Operations and Resilience program at Boise State for helping her succeed in the field and improving her ability to communicate technical concepts effectively.
Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience program is making great progress in securing these often-overlooked segments of national infrastructure. By investing in cybersecurity education for those in rural areas, the university is helping to create a more secure digital landscape for all while supporting students in reaching their academic and career goals.
Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program
Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.