Jenna Iervolino recently presented to the Montville Township Board of Education. Through extensive research, the Montville Township High School senior developed an original algorithm for calculating secure passwords. The presentation showcased Iervolino's MTHS Independent Study Project. Iervolino’s project is just one piece of her overall thesis that is focused on helping people avoid Social Engineering Cyber Security threats.
“Solving the challenges of Social Engineering has been the impetus behind Jenna’s Independent Study,” said Montville Township High School Computer Teacher Laura Fuhrmann. “Jenna’s area of interest is in finding ways to protect others against Social Engineering,”
Social Engineering is defined as Cyber Security threats that occur due to human factors, such as: humans want to be helpful, humans want to avoid confrontation, and humans make mistakes.
In introducing Iervolino to the Montville Township BOE, MTHS Principal Douglas Sanford stressed the basic premise of her presentation: “’When it comes to Cyber Security, a good offense is an informed defense.’ Jenna will explain password guessing attacks and share practical advice for stopping those attacks by demonstrating how to create a very strong password that is easy to remember.”
“I am challenging all of you,” Iervolino said as she addressed the school board members.
A senior, Iervolino reminded the BOE to change passwords often and to maintain a wide variety of passwords. She also assured the board members that she understood how much people want to be able to remember their passwords. It is this understanding that led her to develop her Secure Password Algorithm.
Iervolino is Co-President of the MTHS Computer Club and has been recognized by CyberStart America, a program sponsored by The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, also known as the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness' Division of Cybersecurity. In addition to this year’s MTHS Independent Study in Cyber Security, Iervolino spent the summer studying Cyber Security in competitive programs, and is pursuing a degree in Cyber Security.
A video of Jenna Iervolino’s Cyber Security presentation made to the Montville Township Board of Education can be viewed at the Montville Township Public Schools YouTube Channel.