Welcome to My ePortfolio

This ePortfolio represents my academic journey at Old Dominion University and highlights my growth in both cybersecurity and the social sciences. Through my studies, I’ve learned how technology and human behavior are deeply connected. Cybersecurity is not only about protecting systems but also about understanding the people who use them and the communities those systems serve.

The video displayed below reflect my thoughts on this connection:

• Cybersecurity as a shield that protects personal privacy and organizational trust.
• The importance of ethics and integrity when handling sensitive data.
• How social sciences like criminology and psychology help explain why cybercrime occurs.
• The role of teamwork and communication in defending against cyber threats.
• The balance between innovation and security in a fast-changing digital world.

This video represents a way I see cybersecurity and not just as a technical challenge, but as a social responsibility that requires both awareness and action.

About Me

Hello, my name is Mark Shoemaker. I’m 23 years old and am currently a student at Old Dominion University, pursuing my degree with a focus on cybersecurity and the social sciences. Over the past few years, I have built experience through coursework in criminology, information technology, and marketing. These diverse classes have given me both technical skills and a strong understanding of how people interact with technology and information systems.

Outside of academics, I have participated in extracurricular activities that reflect my interests in teamwork and leadership. I enjoy collaborating on group projects, staying updated on trends in cybersecurity, and exploring how social factors shape technology adoption and risks. In my free time, I also follow sports and gaming communities, which often connect back to my academic focus on digital culture and online security.

My career goal is to work in the cybersecurity field, where I can combine technical problem-solving with a people focused perspective to strengthen digital trust and protect information systems.

CYSE 201S

This course has helped me understand the connections between cybersecurity and society. Technology is not just about hardware and code. Cybersecurity exists within communities, organizations, and cultures. Through CYSE 201S, I’ve explored how human behavior, ethics, and social structures influence the effectiveness of security practices.

For example, learning about the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) taught me that security is more than just stopping hackers. It’s about ensuring people can trust the information they use every day. Discussions on topics like authentication vs. authorization and data breaches showed me how technical failures can lead to real world consequences for individuals and communities.

This course has also made me more aware of the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, understanding psychology, criminology, and sociology alongside cybersecurity gives me a fuller picture of the challenges professionals face. I believe these lessons will help me approach my future career with both technical skill and social awareness.

CYSE 200T

In CYSE 201S, I’ve gained a strong foundation in the principles of cybersecurity and how they apply to real-world situations. I’ve learned about the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and why each part is essential for protecting information systems. The course also introduced me to different types of cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and insider attacks, and showed how these threats exploit human behavior just as much as technology.

Another key area I’ve studied is risk management understanding how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks within an organization. We also covered the importance of laws, policies, and ethics in guiding cybersecurity practices, which helped me see how technical defenses and human factors must work together.

Overall, this class has taught me to think critically about both the technical and social sides of cybersecurity. It has prepared me to continue developing skills in areas like network defense, and security frameworks, while also appreciating the role of governance and ethical responsibility in the field.