Integrating Adversarial Computing into Foundational CS Education: Teaching Security and Adversarial Thinking
Adversarial Thinking (AT) has emerged as a vital competency for developing secure, resilient, and ethically aware computing professionals. This poster presents an experience report from a community college integrating AT across the computer science pathway (CS0–CS3) to enhance cybersecurity awareness and workforce readiness. The initiative focuses on two objectives: (1) embedding AT into core programming courses through revised syllabi, aligned outcomes, and summative assessments; and (2) expanding experiential learning through peer-led team learning (PLTL), weekly employer-driven workshops, and annual hackathon/datathon events. Evaluation results demonstrate increased student self-efficacy, relevance perception, and readiness for industry engagement, alongside employer-reported reductions in onboarding time for new hires. The model aligns with CS2023 and CSEC2017 guidelines and offers a replicable framework—supported by open educational resources (OER)—for community and technical colleges seeking to integrate adversarial thinking into computing curricula.