(e)lective

What was it?

I created a civic engagement project focused on addressing cybersecurity awareness and education within the Old Dominion University (ODU) community. Conducting the ODU member security posture review to identify gaps and risk areas. Developing educational materials and resources to promote cybersecurity best practices among students, faculty, and staff.

My Community Partner in this project was Stefan Hancock, the ODU IT Help Desk Manager.

How it Applies to Cybersecurity

It directly relates to cybersecurity by aiming to enhance the overall security awareness and practices of the ODU community. By identifying vulnerabilities and educating users on how to protect themselves and the institution from cyber threats, this project contributes to a stronger security posture for ODU. The weakest link it typically the user, so educating them is vital. All technical controls in the world will not help if users are not aware of basic cybersecurity principles.

Why it is important?

Cybersecurity awareness and education are critical components of any effective cybersecurity strategy. Human error is often cited as one of the leading causes of security breaches, making it essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond to potential threats. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the ODU community, this project helps to mitigate risks and protect sensitive information from cyber attacks, empowering individuals to take an active role in their own security and the security of the institution.

Reflection

This elective experience has been incredibly valuable in my development as a cybersecurity professional. It has provided me with the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also making a positive impact on the ODU community. Through this project, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in promoting cybersecurity awareness and education, as well as the importance of collaboration and communication in achieving these goals. Overall, this experience has reinforced my passion for cybersecurity and has inspired me to continue working towards creating a safer and more secure digital environment for all.

Work Samples

Some of the selected work that I wanted to showcase from this experience includes: multi-media posters, a project proposal, a project plan, communication templates, and collection forms.

• The Why? (Project Proposal)
• The How? (Project Plan)
• The What? (Multi-Media Posters)
• A Sample Communication (Email) Template
• Security Posture Review Form

All of the experience work can be found here.

Showcasing Knowledge and Skills

Each of these work samples highlights different aspects of the project and demonstrates my ability to effectively plan, communicate, and execute a cybersecurity awareness initiative. They showcase my skills in project management, communication, and cybersecurity education, as well as my commitment to promoting a culture of security within the ODU community.

Contribution to Professional Practice

It has contributed significantly to my development as a professional by providing me with real-world experience and insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in promoting cybersecurity awareness and education. It has helped me build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that I can draw upon in my future career, and has reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.