Going the Distance: the Future of Cybersecurity and You!

Interns started the day by being debriefed on the different businesses they will be working with this week and what will be expected of them with their presentations. Nonprofits for this internship include everything from an organization dedicated to helping former inmates receive jobs to an animal shelter. 

Afterward, the interns received a lecture on Open Source Intelligence covering how personal information can be exposed on the internet and can be found from simple searches and used against someone. Interns then participated in a software hacking lab, searching through different public media accounts to find background information on a high profile person. They also completed an ethernet cable lab which helps secure stronger internet connections.

The interns also received an exclusive tour of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crime Center, or C3, where they spoke with special agents learning about how they track and stop illegal activity. Interns were then given a tour of the cyber lab and saw electronics being tested for real crimes. 

Arriving back at Georgetown, interns sat down with a panel of highly successful business representatives who have extensive experience in their careers revolving around cybersecurity. The panel was composed of Emma MacMullen, Director of Cyber Fusion and Cyber Data Science at Capital One, Phong Nguyen, Brian Levine Managing Director of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Strategy, and Transactions at Ernst & Young LLP, and Dr. Pablo Molina Chief Information Security Officer at Drexel University. Each panelist shared their unique career paths, experiences, and the critical roles they play in cybersecurity. The discussion highlighted the diverse opportunities available within this career path and how cybersecurity is the future.

Interns concluded the night, by hearing a panel discussion on the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the nation and how it is affecting everyone, especially younger generations. Mathew Brodman, the former Deputy Assistant Director of HSI, its impact on communities, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating its distribution. Interns watched an emotionally impactful documentary on the fentanyl crisis and heard testimonies from families who lost someone due to fentanyl poisoning and a survivor. They spoke about their experience and mission to raise awareness about the epidemic that is sweeping the nation answering questions the interns had about its continual impact. Mathew Brodman tied the discussion back to cybersecurity and how it is important to build upon the systems in place to combat the ever-growing market. Since most sales happen online via social media, having stronger guidelines is a step towards preventing its spread.