CYSE 495: Introduction to BioCybersecurity

Course Description

CYSE 495 explores the intersection of biological sciences and cybersecurity, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure, medical devices, and biological research data. The course provides insights into cybersecurity threats in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries while analyzing risk management strategies.

Key Learning Objectives

✅ Understand Cyber Threats in BioScience – Identify vulnerabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research.
✅ Assess Risks in BioCybersecurity – Analyze how cyber threats impact the biological and healthcare industries.
✅ Investigate MedJack Attacks – Examine how cybercriminals exploit medical devices in MedJack (Medical Device Hijacking) attacks.
✅ Apply Cybersecurity Frameworks – Study the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and its application to healthcare and biosciences.
✅ Explore the CIA Triad in BioCybersecurity – Understand confidentiality, integrity, and availability in securing bio-related data.
✅ Analyze Business & Cybersecurity in BioScience – Study the intersection of biotech companies and cybersecurity policies.
✅ Evaluate Key Cyber Defense Technologies – Learn about firewalls, intrusion detection, and encryption in biomedical settings.

Topics & Hands-on Labs Completed

📌 Module 01: Six Common Cyber Threats in BioScience – Analyzed cyber risks affecting the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
📌 Module 03: Business & Cybersecurity in BioScience – Studied how biotech companies implement security strategies.
📌 Module 04: Biological Science & Cybersecurity – Explored the connection between cybersecurity and biological research.
📌 Module 05: Risk Management in the BioScience Field – Assessed threats to medical data and pharmaceutical research.
📌 Module 06: Key Cybersecurity Defense Technologies – Investigated firewalls, encryption, and access controls for biosecurity.
📌 MedJack (Medical Device Hijacking) – Examined real-world case studies on medical device vulnerabilities.
📌 The CIA Triad & Cybersecurity Fundamentals – Applied confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles to biosecurity.
📌 Introduction to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Studied how NIST standards apply to biotechnology and healthcare security.

Skills Acquired

🔹 BioCybersecurity Risk Assessment – Identifying and mitigating cyber threats in biological research and healthcare.
🔹 Application of NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Understanding cybersecurity compliance and regulatory policies in biotechnology.
🔹 Cyber Threat Intelligence in Medical Research – Detecting and preventing cyber attacks on biomedical infrastructure.
🔹 Medical Device Security & MedJack Analysis – Evaluating vulnerabilities in connected medical devices and IoT systems.
🔹 Business & Cybersecurity in BioScience – Understanding the role of cybersecurity in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and healthcare.

Personal Reflection

This course expanded my knowledge of biological science cybersecurity and the unique threats facing the healthcare and biotech industries. I gained valuable skills in risk assessment, cyber defense strategies, and compliance frameworks, aligning with my career goals in cybersecurity operations, risk management, and critical infrastructure protection.