WIP: Integrating Cybersecurity Education: Implementation of an Undergraduate Course on Malicious Thermal Sensor Defense

Contribution: This work-in-progress innovative practice paper presents the inception of an undergraduate course focusing on the Ensemble of Countermeasures for Malicious Thermal Sensors Attacks (ECMTA), representing a novel endeavor at this academic level. Rooted in prior research across academic and industrial domains, this ongoing initiative embodies a journey of exploration and discovery in an emerging field, awaiting feedback from students and our industrial advisory board. Additionally, this proposal advocates for a flipped classroom (FC) model, prioritizing pre-class materials for theoretical understanding and in-class sessions for practical application and collaboration. Simultaneously, this project is an ongoing investigation into the effectiveness of FC methodologies for Hispanic/Latino populations in cybersecurity education. Recognizing the current dearth of consensus in the literature regarding this demographic's response to FC, the project aims to address this gap through a comprehensive assessment of Hispanic/Latino students' attitudes and academic outcomes, with findings expected by the end of 2024. Background: The surge in IoT devices revolutionized industries, offering convenience and connectivity. Yet, they pose substantial cybersecurity challenges, notably in thermal sensor vulnerabilities. Attackers' exploitation of these sensors to manipulate the temperatures of IOT devices underscores the urgent necessity for robust cybersecurity in IoT ecosystems. Intended outcome: This course's intended outcome is multifaceted. Students will grasp thermal sensor vulnerabilities and learn varied countermeasures to mitigate risks. Practical skills will be honed through hands-on lab exercises and simulations. Additionally, they'll foster a mindset of continual learning, which is vital for evolving cybersecurity careers. Following this study, we aim to assess the effectiveness of flipped classroom methodologies for Hispanic/Latino populations in cybersecurity education. Application Design: The course offers theoretical lectures, practical workshops, research projects, and assessments focused on defending against thermal sensor attacks. It integrates cybersecurity into undergraduate curricula, fostering innovative teaching methods. Ultimately, it aims to prepare a new generation of cybersecurity professionals for security challenges.