Chris Hopkins

May 27th

CYSE368

Reflection Paper 1

My internship as an IT Specialist at the City of Richmond City Hall’s Department of Information Technology has been an invaluable experience, offering a unique blend of professional growth and personal development. This reflection paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of my journey, capturing the observations, projects, tasks, and challenges encountered along the way.

Under the mentorship of Mr. Furguson, I was introduced to critical industry tools such as Trellix. Trellix, a cybersecurity tool, enabled me to detect and manage threats within the network effectively. Trellix’s Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technology provides “real-time threat detection capabilities that enable organizations to detect potential threats as soon as they occur. This includes identifying potential vulnerabilities in applications, network devices, and endpoints, as well as detecting and halting malware threats that may be hidden within the network” .

Throughout the first week, I utilized Trellix to identify and eliminate rogue (unnamed or “%computername%”) computers that appeared on the network. This involved continuous monitoring and system detection to maintain the integrity of our authorized user ratio, which I was required to keep above 90%. My primary task was to delete these unauthorized devices promptly as they appeared, ensuring network security and efficiency. The real-time threat detection capabilities of Trellix significantly “reduced the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats, preventing financial loss and damage to the organization’s reputation. It also enabled us to detect and neutralize emerging threats quickly and efficiently” .

One of the significant challenges I faced was the constant vigilance required to detect these rogue computers. The fast-paced nature of this task demanded quick decision-making and a thorough understanding of the network’s dynamics. However, with Mr. Furguson’s guidance, I developed effective strategies to address these challenges, such as setting up automated alerts and refining my system detection techniques.This internship provided a practical application of my theoretical knowledge and significantly enhanced my technical skills, particularly in network security and threat management. The continuous support and feedback from Mr. Furguson were invaluable, offering me insights into industry best practices and professional development.

In conclusion, this internship has been instrumental in preparing me for a future career in IT. The hands-on experience with advanced cybersecurity tools, such as Trellix, and the mentorship provided have equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in this field. I am grateful for the opportunity and the support received throughout this enriching experience.

Rogue Detection Percentage, Access Badge and Desktop Setup:

Cited Works

“Trellix: Demystifying Its Purpose and Benefits in Cybersecurity.” adcyber, updated on June 17, 2023. Accessed May 27, 2024. Trellix: Demystifying Its Purpose and Benefits in Cybersecurity – Cyber Insight