Dive Brief:
- A study from New York University researchers suggests that 3D printing presents challenges to network and data security.
- The study says ‘malicious actors’ can hack into printers without strong network controls and alter the orientation of a printer itself, or introduce micro-additives in material which can compromise the integrity of a final project.
- The impact of faulty products could result in large-scale recalls or lawsuits.
Dive Insight:
While colleges and universities may be using 3D printing as a teaching tool for engineering development among students and faculty, there appears to be greater opportunities for learning how these systems of production can be disrupted — an extension of learning and credentialing in cybersecurity.
As the Internet of Things grows in size and access, institutions would be wise in creating degree specialties for computer science professionals in areas of disruption; that is, the science of identifying and preventing how systems can be compromised or destroyed. Specializing in the science of hacking to dramatically shift the technology landscape can potentially offer universities opportunities in grant-making and federal support for producing professionals in a drastically underserved part of the tech workforce.