Cybersecurity symposium in Manchester focuses on how to best utilize AI, XR technology

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Artificial intelligence and extended reality are in the spotlight in Manchester this week as part of an event focused on cybersecurity.

For the past seven years, the cybersecurity program at Manchester Community College has been holding an annual symposium.

This year, the event focused on how AI and XR technology can be used in the workplace.

This event lasts several days, gathering cybersecurity experts from several places.

Among the speakers are some students who have taken what they’ve learned in the classroom and figured out ways to apply it to the real world, including by helping law enforcement use cellphone towers and data to track down suspects.

The program’s director said he hopes guests will walk away with cybersecurity safety tips, as well as a better understanding of the role AI and XR have in the workplace.

“We understood that really extended reality is about business. It’s about how you use extended reality for meetings, how do you show someone how something … you got to take something apart when you’re thousands of miles away? So, that’s the kinds of things we’re doing in our extended reality program. So, we’re always looking ahead,” said Peter Lamonica, department chair for computer science at MCC.

Lamonica said the MCC computer science program takes a future-first approach, meaning it strives to teach students where technology will be in two years, rather than where it is right now.