By: Kristal Crowley August 1, 2024
In the scenic halls of the University Center at the University of Montana, a small team is stepping forward to confront digital challenges in collaboration with the Public InfrastructureSecurity Cyber Education System (PISCES), a pioneering organization in data security training.
Ford Powers, representing PISCES and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), hasteamed up with the University of Montana's (UMT) Security Operations Center (SOC) tokickstart the PISCES program at the university. Offering free cybersecurity monitoring to smalllocal governments, PISCES also utilizes real-world data as training material for buddingcybersecurity analysts, engaging with over 20 colleges nationwide. The collaboration withPISCES aims to trainthe next generation of cybersecurity network analysts–the 10th fastest-growingoccupation in the next decade.
UMT's team comprises Jace, the SOC manager, along with diligent student interns, Phoebe and Ryan.
Starting with the basics, the team navigated through the PISCES data, mastered ticket management, and delved into data mining. With their newfound skills, they dived into security analysis, decoding cryptic messages within the PISCES communities.
Amidst the sea of alerts, Phoebe's sharp eye caught a peculiar alert.This discovery led them to uncover a potential threat lurking within the community’s network-a milestone moment forPhoebe and Ryan.This team had discovered a potential threat.
They meticulously researched and collaborated with the community, ultimately identifying arogue Android tablet within the Water Treatment Plant network, harboring unseen dangers.
With PISCES oversight, the community was guided through verifying the threat, providing mitigation guidance, and securing the infrastructure from the discrepancies in the tablet's apps.
This is just a glimpse into the vital work happening at schools nationwide participating in the PISCES program, including the University of Montana. Through collaboration with communities and students, they're forging ahead in the digital realm, securing the future of Montana and the nation's cyber landscape, one discovery at a time