Cybersecurity Internship
This course allows students to volunteer to work in an agency related to cybersecurity. Students must volunteer for 50 hours per course credit and complete course assignments.
Course Material
During my cybersecurity internship with the City of Suffolk, Virginia, sponsored by The Coastal Virginia Center for Cyber Initiative (COVA CCI), I conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of a SQL database using Tenable.io. This internship provided an invaluable opportunity to apply academic concepts in a real-world environment, develop professional skills, and gain insight into cybersecurity practices within local government agencies. Below, I detail my experiences and reflections from this internship.
Applying Course Knowledge
- Coursework on vulnerability management and risk assessment provided the foundation for identifying and categorizing vulnerabilities within the SQL database. Using Tenable.io aligned directly with concepts from my cybersecurity and network security classes.
- Theoretical knowledge about confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad) was essential in analyzing the database’s security posture and prioritizing remediation efforts.
- Risk management frameworks, such as NIST 800-30 and CIS, guided my approach to assessing threats and recommending controls.
Skill Development
- Conducting vulnerability assessments using Tenable.io.
- Translating technical findings into actionable recommendations.
- Strengthening presentation and reporting skills by communicating findings to clients.
- Enhancing collaboration and teamwork by working closely with team members.
Personal Development
- This internship strengthened my confidence in applying technical skills in a professional setting. It also furthered my understanding of working within government agencies and navigating their unique challenges and priorities.
This internship was a transformative experience that allowed me to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. It not only enhanced my technical skills but also developed my ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team setting. The lessons learned during this internship will serve as a strong foundation for my future career in cybersecurity.
Reflection
For every 50 hours of this internship I reflected on the events that took place, detailing the progress of classroom instruction and the status of our risk assessment conducted for our client.