Participating in the COVA CCI internship has been a transformative experience in my journey as a cybersecurity professional. This program is designed to equip students with hands-on experience by tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges through collaborative projects and mentorship. As part of the internship, my team and I worked with a Norfolk-based insurance company, to enhance their cybersecurity posture and address their pressing concerns about cyber threats and regulatory compliance.

Our project allowed me to apply the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to assess vulnerabilities, recommend solutions, and explore advanced tools like Google Cloud’s Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for securing sensitive data. Working alongside my teammates, Clyde and Bilal, I not only expanded my technical knowledge but also developed essential skills in teamwork and communication. Under the expert guidance of Professor Teresa Duvall, this project provided me with a deeper understanding of the real-world applications of cybersecurity practices and the significance of ethical and strategic planning in the field.