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In an age of constant change and ever evolving technology, the need for lifelong learners is at an all-time high. This summer, �Ļ�Ӱ�� hosted high school and college students, educators, and military leaders for multiple enriching events focused on expanding their cyber knowledge to new levels. The four �Ļ�Ӱ�� Summer of Cyber camps and exercises were funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Senior Military College Cyber Institute grants awarded by the National Center of Academic Excellence – Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), managed by the National Security Agency (NSA). Each of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� students who participated in the events, or served as camp counselors/staff, are members of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� Cyber Institute Cyber Leader Development Program (CLDP). In September 2020, �Ļ�Ӱ�� was designated the lead institution to manage a coalition of the six senior military colleges to develop the DoD SMC Cyber Institutes program. In October 2022, �Ļ�Ӱ�� was awarded a NCAE-C grant as the lead institution to manage a coalition of nine institutions of higher learning to develop the Careers Preparation National Center. Dr. Sharon R. Hamilton, �Ļ�Ӱ�� Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, serves as the Executive Program Director and Principal Investigator for both of these NCAE-C grant programs.

Building on the success of last year’s camps, �Ļ�Ӱ�� expanded the offerings to include a new camp focused on teaching high school students open-source intelligence (OSINT). One of the first of its kind at any American college and expanding the reach and impact of the summer cyber programs.

GENCYBER CAMP

The annual GenCyber Teacher Camp provides a comprehensive week-long learning experience geared toward strengthening educators’ capacity to impart cybersecurity knowledge more effectively. Throughout GenCyber, education professionals are equipped with versatile methodologies for disseminating cybersecurity concepts, while engaging in dialogue about prospective career paths in cybersecurity for their current students. In an effort to eliminate monetary constraints that would hinder participation, the camp is fully subsidized for educators, including a $1,000 stipend to offset travel and other expenses. Additionally, participating teachers have the unique opportunity to earn graduate credit through �Ļ�Ӱ��.

As part of their commitment to the camp, the educators will return to �Ļ�Ӱ�� for the “CyberTaster” event and bring up to three of their students to the “Day of Cyber 1.0” and “Day of Cyber 2.0” events. Over 20 teachers from throughout New England participated in GenCyber. Leading the educational charge were Dr. Huw Read, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Forensics Education and Research (CyFER), and Dr. Matt Bovee, the former Director of the Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing.

CYBER IMMERSION CAMP

The Cyber Immersion Camp recently offered an innovative platform for students to combine the fundamentals of cybersecurity practice with leadership skills. The week-long program was centered around digital forensics, information warfare, ethical hacking, the increasingly crucial field of artificial intelligence, and preparing high school students for a rapidly evolving cyber landscape. The curriculum prominently featured coding and programming elements, including but not limited to Python and Linux, equipping students with the knowledge to construct their own programs in a secure and efficient manner. An additional focal point was career guidance, giving students an understanding of the diverse professional opportunities in the expansive cyber domain.

Throughout the course of the week, students were instructed not only on facets of computer science and cybersecurity but also on the curial role of teamwork. In our interlinked global society, it’s essential to strike a balance between leveraging technological advancements and recognizing the unchanging significance of collaboration to problem-solving. The culminating classroom event was a cooperative Final Exercise, where students had the opportunity to apply the knowledge they accumulated through the week.

In true �Ļ�Ӱ�� fashion, participants had the opportunity to appreciate the picturesque natural landscape surrounding �Ļ�Ӱ�� and participate in several outdoor events. The Green Mountains offered a much-appreciated break from the academic environment. Activities at the Shaw Outdoor Center and the Paine Mountain paintball course included elements of both relaxation and collaboration. The camp concluded with a celebratory BBQ.

OPEN-SOURCE INTELLIGENCE ACADEMY (OSINT ACADEMY)

The Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Academy stands as a pioneer, being one of the first camps of its kind in American higher education open to high school students, providing education on in-depth research methodologies using OSINT. During the week, participants acquired significant insights on transforming unprocessed data into meaningful intelligence. The process involved collating information from several open and accessible sources to create a comprehensive understanding of events. Moving from random, apparently disparate, nuggets of information to creating a mosaic of useful information. Additionally, students benefited from the
knowledge imparted by experienced staff and professionals while working in �Ļ�Ӱ��’s state of the art “War Room” in the Senator Patrick Leahy School for Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing.

Participants undertook an immersive learning experience where they learned the application of OSINT for both investigatory functions and security provisions. This skill acquisition supports their adaptation to the dynamic and perpetually advancing world of cybersecurity. The culminating exercise necessitated a team-based utilization of OSINT practices to uncover strategically placed clues around the campus while exploring �Ļ�Ӱ��’s remarkable history. The experiential learning exercise aided in the enhancement of teamwork capabilities and the effective application of newly imparted skills.

Nearly half of the inaugural cohort of participants were students already considering attending �Ļ�Ӱ��. The OSINT Academy effectively provided a platform to demonstrate �Ļ�Ӱ��’s position as a leader in the realm of OSINT. The participants were provided a pair of unique additional learning opportunities during the camp. �Ļ�Ӱ��’s Information Warfare interns were able to take a lead role in sharing lessons they learned throughout the year. An international cyber delegation from Latvia had the opportunity to observe the ongoing OSINT Academy as well.

INFORMATION WARFARE EXERCISE

�Ļ�Ӱ�� recently hosted an Information Warfare Exercise (IWE) for �Ļ�Ӱ��, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), The Citadel, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and the University of North Georgia (UNG) Information Warfare interns and faculty and Division staff from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. During the exercise, participants engaged in hands-on training and collaborated with experts in Information Advantage and Information Warfare (IA/IW). They explored key topics such as propaganda, cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, disinformation, and information advantage. Participants developed and refined various IA/IW strategies through a simulated team environment. The IWE showcased the latest advancements in IA/IW, integrating state-of-the-art technology with current concepts and knowledge.

ADDITIONAL NEWS

The 2024 Summer of Cyber at �Ļ�Ӱ�� has truly demonstrated �Ļ�Ӱ��’s current standing as a leader among cyber education. The visit and collaboration from the Latvian Cyber Delegation highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering multicultural understandings and international relationships in the world of cybersecurity. Current �Ļ�Ӱ�� students leveraged this unique occasion to present their cyber-focused academic and research endeavors to foreign government representatives, offering insights on how Latvia could potentially enhance their utilization of cyber technology. Simultaneously, the Latvian delegation shared real world examples of OSINT and cybersecurity tools in their respective fields.

The National Science Foundation awarded �Ļ�Ӱ�� a grant in excess of $5,300,000 for cybersecurity research, education, and training. The funding enables �Ļ�Ӱ�� to offer scholarships to students that will enhance learning and research opportunities into cybersecurity threats, artificial intelligence, and machine learning through an integrated B.S./M.S. 4+1 program.

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s overall strength and dedication to continual improvement in the cyber realm has been recognized repeatedly by students, professionals, and government agencies. The NSA and Department of Homeland Security have designated �Ļ�Ӱ�� as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. �Ļ�Ӱ�� cyber graduates have a 98.8% job placement rate, clearly demonstrating �Ļ�Ӱ��’s role as a leader in cyber higher education.