In our innovative cybersecurity externship, we take a holistic approach to preparing you for success as a cyber professional. You’ll get firsthand experience and insight into the world of cybersecurity, one of the most high-demand careers in the country. From fundamentals to real-world scenarios of cyber threats, you’ll be guided by industry professionals in a program packed with interactive workshops and guest speakers. Then team up with your classmates to to defend against cyber threats, allowing you to:
• Explore the range of career paths in cybersecurity, computer science and engineering.
• Get on the cybersecurity fast track by establishing a foundation of knowledge such as the importance of data protection, incident response and digital analysis.
• Build in-demand employability skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, confidence and collaboration.
• Earn digital badges at the completion of each daily scenario and a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program
Dr. Davina Pruitt-Mentle
Lead for Academic Engagement for the National Initiative for cybersecurity Education (NICE), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Shawn Saltsman
U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, Retired / MSIT cybersecurity Student, University of Texas
Become a member of an Elite Cybersecurity Task Force charged with investigating major cyber crimes. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll be tasked with protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure. Take on a new challenge each day with your team as you learn the skills you need to keep our data safe. Whether preventing cyber attacks from occurring or rectifying a cyber attack that has already happened, you’ll understand what it’s like to work as a cybersecurity professional.
One of the fastest growing job sectors in the U.S. is cybersecurity. According to multiple media outlets, a projected 3.5 million vacancies are expected in 2021, which is 350 percent growth since 2013. Opportunities within the field of cybersecurity are endless. All the industry needs is skilled talent. To meet the ever-evolving demands, companies are hiring students to fill these vacancies as more cybersecurity threats are recognized every day. Providing cybersecurity pathways at an earlier age is imperative for the industry, as it will enable you to achieve success in your personal and professional life.
Parents are invited to attend scheduled webinars to learn about how to help their child succeed during the externship as well as prepare for long-term success in the cybersecurity industry. We provide all the tools needed to help parents play a role in their child’s success, including:
Introduction and Critical Infrastructure
Kickstart your journey into cybersecurity with a quick program overview. Learn the key points of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and what it takes to defend them.
In this scenario-based hacking challenge, you’ll have a limited amount of time to search through a U.S. official’s computer to find sensitive information leaks.
Private Sector
Get a behind-the-scenes look into what professional skills are required to achieve career success from a real-life cybersecurity team.
Learn what kinds of decisions companies make while trying to protect their data from hackers in an interactive video challenge.
Financial Crimes
Get a firsthand look into the mind of a cyber criminal and understand the different methods they use to infiltrate computer systems. Learn how to defend yourself against these types of attacks.
Conduct a real-life cyber case study with your team. Learn about a type of cyber threat and then discuss what could have been done to mitigate the damage or stop the hack.
National Security Threats:
Keep our nation safe by uncovering cyber threats around the world which affect our nation and everyday life. Understand the balance between privacy and security.
Practice the different ways you can harden a system to defend yourself from potential attacks. This will prepare you for tomorrow’s competition!
System Hardening and Next Steps
Get a deep dive into the advanced methods of system hardening and learn how to use this experience to get your next opportunity.
Use everything you’ve learned to fully secure a compromised system with your team. Every setting you change to make the system safer gets you points, and the team that finishes with the most secure system will come out on top.
For District or School pricing contact [email protected]
Chris Knox
Manager, Security Awareness and Analysis, CPS Energy
Mr. Knox is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who has spent most of his career as an intelligence analyst. He has also worked as an independent training consultant and adjunct instructor with San Antonio College and is passionate about bringing out the best in people.
Tom Katsampes
Senior Security Engineer, Delta Air Lines
Mr. Katsampes is an accomplished professional in the world of IT risk management, as well as a U.S. Army veteran. In addition, he is a Certified Information Systems Auditor with over 20 years experience working for various companies within the IT sector, including Fortune 500 firms.
Dr. Davina Pruitt-Mentle
Lead for Academic Engagement for the National Initiative for cybersecurity Education (NICE), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Dr. Pruitt-Mentle is a seasoned academic and authority in the field of cybersecurity. She has spent the past 20 years conducting student and educator cyber awareness research and has been fundamental in developing programs to increase the cybersecurity workforce pipeline.
Tom Ervin
Computer Scientist, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Mr. Irvin has been supporting the FBI with his expertise in cyber forensics analysis for the past 18 years. He specializes in computer intrusions and the dissection of computer viruses/worms and helped to establish the FBI's first malicious code laboratory in Washington DC.
Shawn Saltsman
U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, Retired / MSIT cybersecurity Student, University of Texas
Mr. Saltsman is a retired Chief Intelligence Officer with over 20 years of keeping Americans safe through his expertise in the tactical, strategic and cyberspace arenas. He thrives on encouraging professional development and using practical insight to find solutions to the most complex of situations.
Keith Rountree
Senior Technical Recruiter, Facebook
Mr. Rountree has spent over a decade championing technical and diversity recruiting for some of today’s top tech companies. His ability to grasp the pulse of today’s youth has made him a master of helping students to find a career that speaks to who they are.
Pierre Gutiérrez
Owner, Star State Consulting
Mr. Gutiérrez is an accomplished leader in multiple fields including digital forensics and cybersecurity. Over his career, he has conducted criminal and civil cyber investigations for federal agencies and the private sector, successfully determining the root cause of incidents.
