CyberSkills Management Support Initiative GROWING THE PIPELINE FOR CYBERTALENT THROUGH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES November 6, 2014 November 6, 2014
Background In June 2012, Secretary Napolitano announced the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Task Force on CyberSkills with a two-part mandate: first, to identify the best ways DHS can foster the development of a national security workforce capable of meeting current and future cybersecurity challenges; and second, to outline how DHS can improve its capability to recruit and retain that sophisticated cybersecurity talent. In October 2012, the Task Force released its report, which contained the recommendation that DHS radically expand the pipeline of highly-qualified candidates for technical mission critical jobs through a variety of strategies, including innovative partnerships with community colleges and universities. A method of implementing this recommendation was to include a residency program that enables the most successful students to work on real-world cybersecurity projects supplied by DHS. In April 2013, the Department announced the creation of the Secretary s Honors Program (SHP) Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative (CSVI) which provides students pursuing cybersecurity-related degrees with an opportunity to work with top Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cybersecurity professionals, while learning about the unique cybersecurity missions of the Department. 2
Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative Goals Increase awareness about the DHS cybersecurity mission through the completion of hands-on cybersecurity work in a DHS Component. Build technical expertise in a variety of areas, including digital forensics, network diagnostics, and incident response. Apply concepts, protocols, and tools acquired through coursework by assisting cybersecurity experts in the real world. Meet and make professional connections with cybersecurity professionals through cybersecurityfocused networking and mentoring events. Explore cybersecurity career opportunities, including those available in public service. 3
Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative Cohorts During the 2013 Cohort, approximately 20 volunteer community college students pursuing cybersecurity-related degrees completed 4-18 weeks of hands-on experience at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) forensics labs across the country. A second smaller group of assignments were created at major urban area fusion centers. During the 2014 Cohort, approximately 100 volunteer assignments were available to two- and four-year college students at DHS field offices in over 60 locations across the country among the seven participating DHS Components. DHS received over 1,600 applications for the 2014 cohort, and outreach efforts targeted over 300 schools nation-wide, resulting in 106 Facebook posts, 454 tweets, 84 blog posts, and 117 online and traditional media stories. 4
Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative Activities & Opportunities Example of Volunteer Activities Researching open source forensic tools. Assisting with the installation and configuration of forensic software. Researching and presenting findings on virtual currency. Producing unclassified intelligence products describing and analyzing cyber threats. Assisting with network monitoring and incident response. Observing the execution of search warrants and cyber-related investigative interviews. Mentoring and Professional Development Opportunities Panel discussions with DHS cyber program managers, law enforcement professionals, and Homeland Security Advisory Council experts Briefings on intelligence, student cybersecurity opportunities, and with DHS cyber Senior Leadership. 5
2013 CSVI Cohort Components Intelligence & Analysis State Fusion Centers Immigration and Customs Enforcement Volunteers 10 21 Total 31
2014 CSVI Cohort Components Department of Homeland Security Chief Information Office Volunteers 10 Intelligence & Analysis 37 Immigration and Customs Enforcement National Protection and Programs Directorate Transportation Security Administration 13 2 4 Coast Guard 2 Secret Service 2 Total 70
2015 CSVI Cohort Components Custom & Border Protection Intelligence & Analysis Immigration and Customs Enforcement National Protection and Programs Directorate Department of Homeland Security Chief Information Office Transportation Security Administration United States Coast Guard United States Secret Service
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