HUNTINGTON – Marshall University conducted a GenCyber camp after receiving a National Security Agency grant to hold the “first-ever camp of its kind in West Virginia,” according to Joshua L. Brunty, assistant professor of digital forensics and information assurance at Marshall.
“The faculty expertise, faculty infrastructure – such as the Marshall University Forensic Science Center & Crime Scene House – and the support of the university as a whole was a major deciding factor in Marshall’s selection for this increasing popular program,” Brunty told The West Virginia Record.
Brunty said roughly 44 percent of all applicants for the NSA grant receive funding, and Marshall’s camp is one of 144 nationwide. The camp is designed for “high school students interested in cybersecurity and careers in the cybersecurity workforce,” according to a Marshall University news release.
Marshall’s camp ran from June 25 through June 30.
“Our vision is for the GenCyber program to be part of the solution to the national’s shortfall of skilled cybersecurity professionals,” Brunty said. “Ensuring that enough young people are inspired to direct their talents in this area is critical to the future of our country.”
Brunty said the program aims to help all students understand correct and safe online behavior, increase diversity and interest in cybersecurity and learn about careers in the U.S. cybersecurity workforce.
“We were also tasked by the NSA to create opportunities for our underserved populations in the state, and this camp is a perfect example of how these opportunities can turn into real-life success stories for our youth,” he said.
According to Brunty, litigation professionals must also keep abreast of the latest trends in cybersecurity to protect their firms and their clients.
Brunty said not only understanding which technology was used in the commission of a computer-based crime, but also understanding the “how did they do it” by learning about a particular technology “is a key element in a successful litigation strategy in this ever-changing digital age.”
He said it is also important for attorneys to understand how cases are investigated by digital forensics and information assurance professionals.
“We live in a world where threatened by cyberterrorists and cyber criminals and where private enterprise is forced to respond to theft or destruction of intellectual property (i.e. ransomware) on a daily basis,” Brunty said.
Brunty, served as program director for the camp, said in the school’s release that the Marshall GenCyber Camp was free to all accepted students.