Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.) - Considering an online doctoral degree program in Cybersecurity or Data Analytics? Attend a virtual information session on Wednesday (October 4) at 7 pm EDT!

Direct Link:  http://bit.ly/2kbZlim

It’s a major milestone in a professional career, demonstrating advanced expertise and credentials: a doctoral degree.

Capitol offers doctoral degree programs in two of today’s most critical fields: cybersecurity (DSc) and management and decision sciences (PhD). Both are low-residency programs, with all coursework available online.
Want to know more? The university will be holding a virtual information session on Wednesday (October 4) at 7 pm, accessible to anyone with a computer and internet connection.
 “The doctoral information session is designed to share with students the two types of doctoral degrees that we offer – the DSc in cybersecurity and the PhD in management and decision sciences,” says Dr. Michael R. Fain, director of doctoral programs at Capitol. “We’ll go over the classes that are offered and discuss the three-day on-campus residency, which doctoral students attend three times during the course of completing their degrees.”
“We’ll also discuss some of the dissertation research that has been done by doctoral students at Capitol, and about the research endeavors of our faculty. We also open the floor to any questions that prospective students may have.”
Take your career to the next level today! To register for the information session, simply click here and fill out the online registration form, or contact Graduate Admissions at gradmit@captechu.edu.
 Link:  http://bit.ly/2kbZlim

Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.) - Computer, engineering programs at Capitol a draw for area employers

Link:  http://bit.ly/2yN6V6v

Capitol Technology University’s programs in computer and engineering fields are a big draw for employers in the region, according to representatives of companies and organizations attending the university’s Career Conference on Tuesday (September 26).
Also mentioned was the hands-on experience gained by Capitol students are part of their education, as well as the university’s commitment to working with area employers in order to tailor programs to emerging needs.
“We’re looking for students with technology backgrounds – engineering, computer science,” said Kalia Kinser, HR and talent manager at Alertus. “The faculty here does a great job connecting with employers to see what they can do to make sure the students are hire-ready, and that they graduate with the tools that employers in the area are looking for.
Kinser and representatives of more than 20 business and organizations were on campus Tuesday for the twice-yearly conference, which includes not only a job fair but a series of presentations and workshops designed to help prepare students for entry into their careers. Capping the event was a keynote address by Hank Tseu, a senior ground software architect at OneWeb, who briefed Capitol students on the company’s mission of providing global broadband access via a constellation of hundreds of satellites.
Faculty also make use of the Career Conference to consult with participating employers about particular skills and areas of knowledge they would like to see emphasized in academic programs. “The Career Conference is a great opportunity to build that relationship,” Kinser notes.
Stacy Abrams is senior employment specialist at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), which has a central role in NASA’s history-making James Webb Space Telescope mission. “We’re looking for people with backgrounds in software development, systems engineering, flight operations,” she said. “We have hired a lot of Capitol Technology University students into our flight operations teams, but we also have a significant need for computer scientists.”

Capitol is of particular interest because of the programs offered at the university. “It’s a really good fit,” she said.
STScI has established two Capitol Technology University internships, lasting two to three semesters. In addition, summer internships are available, Abrams said.
Markus Mabson was at the fair to represent Sealing Technologies, a Columbia-based government contractor. “We’re looking to hire students who can bring network solutions, including network perimeter defense and network management.”
The practical, hands-on emphasis of Capitol’s programs is a big draw from Sealing, Mabson said.
“We love the fact that Capitol students come with practical experience,” he said. “As a result of that experience, you come here ready to work, out of the box.”
Direct Link:  http://bit.ly/2yN6V6v

Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.) - Cybersecurity Careers: engineers, analysts, penetration testers among most highly sought

Direct Link:  http://bit.ly/2yJwgOl
It’s no secret – if you want a career path with an almost certain guarantee of being hired at a good salary with ample room for growth, cybersecurity is that field.
Incidents like the recent breach at Equifax demonstrate just how costly and destructive cybercrime can be, and just how important it is to have cybersecurity expertise in place.

Forbes magazine recently claimed cybersecurity as the “fastest growing job with a huge skills gap.”
“Every year in the U.S., 40,000 jobs for information security analysts go unfilled, and employers are struggling to fill 200,000 other cyber-security related roles,” the magazine reported, citing data from CyberSeek.
Within the cybersecurity field, the most sought-out positions include penetration tester, cybersecurity engineer, and CISO, according to TechRepublic.

The outlook for all three, and for similar or related job paths, is robust. In the future, “we may see a heavier focus on engineering and analysts, and a lot of companies are probably going to be looking for designated leadership with cybersecurity," the article quoted Stephen Zafarino, senior director of recruiting at Mondo, as saying.
With organizations looking for specific skills and professional expertise, it’s important for cybersecurity bachelor’s programs to keep abreast of the evolving needs of industry, says Dr. William Butler, chair of Capitol Technology University’s cyber and information security program and director of its Cyber Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center.
“We’ve made that a cornerstone of our program,” Butler said. “Our cybersecurity faculty consists of working professionals in the field – people who deal head-on every day with the fast-changing threat horizon. We also consult regularly with business and industry to find out what their most pressing needs are so we can tailor programs to meet those needs.”

“Our approach is practical and hands-on,” he said. “It’s about teaching the skills you’ll actually need on the job.”
Capitol graduates have gone on to work for firms such as General Dynamics and Leidos, as well as for the DoD and other agencies. Some, like James C. Foster of ZeroFOX, have launched their own companies.
“Our track record and access to industry sets us apart even from larger competitors here in Maryland,” he said. “Whether you want to work for a contractor, the federal government or the private sector, Capitol can help you get there,” Butler said.
Link:  http://bit.ly/2yJwgOl

Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington D.C.) marks National Cyber Security Awareness Month with special events, activities

Direct Link:  http://bit.ly/2frFJ4A

With a recent, high-profile breach potentially impacting 143 million Americans – close to half the population – cybersecurity is already on the front burner as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) begins on October 1.
“It’s very sobering,” Dr. William Butler, chair of the cybersecurity program at Capitol Technology University, says of the attack. “This incident hits closer to home, for most Americans, than previous breaches did. Almost everyone depends on credit to some degree or another, and until now it was widely assumed that the credit rating agencies had the ability to protect vital data. That assumption has now been forever shattered.”
Building public awareness of cybersecurity threats is a high priority for Butler and his colleagues in Capitol's program, one of the nation’s first. During NCSAM, Capitol is undertaking several activities designed to keep the spotlight on cybersecurity issues, including an October 14 Cybersaturday event at the school’s renowned Cyber Lab.
On October 20, nationally known cybersecurity educator Dr. Diana L. Burley will address students in Capitol’s two doctoral programs – a DSc program in cybersecurity and a PhD in management and decision sciences – as they arrive for their doctoral residency. Executive director and chair of the Institute for Information Infrastructure Protection (I3P) and a professor at George Washington University, Dr. Burley also co-chairs the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) Joint Task Force on Cybersecurity Education.
During the month, Capitol will also host Maryland MESA students from area high schools for a day of cybersecurity-related education and activities, and the cybersecurity program will also be conducting a poster contest for undergraduates.
“NCSAM is always an exciting time for us at Capitol,” Butler said. “We are one of the most experienced schools in the nation, indeed around the globe, when it comes to cybersecurity education. We take cybersecurity very seriously at Capitol and it gives a great sense of honor to be working to help protect Americans from the widening array of cybercriminals and adversaries. NCSAM provides an opportunity to shine the spotlight on what we do.”
“The events and activities during October are a representative sample of what we do throughout the year,” he said.
Butler also recommended that consumers concerned about the Equifax Breach should consult a webpage set up by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): "The Equifax Data Breach: What to Do | Consumer Information": https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-do

The Equifax Data Breach: What to Do | Consumer Information www.consumer.ftc.gov If you have a credit report, there’s a good chance that you’re one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in a ...

Capitol is a NSA and DHS-designated Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity education. It offers cybersecurity programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. For more information, contact the cybersecurity program at cyberevents@captechu.edu
Link:  http://bit.ly/2frFJ4A

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering at Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington, D.C.)

Earn a bachelor of science in astronautical engineering, advance the frontier of space exploration
Page Link:  https://www.captechu.edu/node/92
Our astronautical engineering program prepares you for work with aircraft operating outside the earth’s atmosphere. You will learn the fundamentals of space operations and technology, flight dynamics, spacecraft design and earth science.
We realize that not all learning needs to take place in a classroom. We believe student-created, student-led projects are a powerful way to learn. That’s why we provide ample chances to explore your interests with clubs such as robotics and model rocketry, give you the opportunity to make the impossible, possible.
Why Capitol?
Our Space Flight Operations Training Center gives graduates the edge. You’ll use actual spacecraft software to control virtual satellites, replicating real-life scenarios and learning the engineering behind spacecraft development, operations, commanding and data analysis.
Our location puts you in the heart of the action. The Baltimore/ Washington D.C. area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies in the United States. In addition, our campus is near the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Our focus on CubeSat means you graduate with current skills.
Knowing that NASA launched its first CubeSat 2006, our program provides students hands-on experience with CubeSat design, development, building and launching.
Capitol Tech special opportunities

• Opportunity to design and build payloads that will be flown on a high-altitude balloon launch
• Opportunity to work on payloads that will be launched on orbital or sub-orbital flights
• Use of the Fusion Lab, with multiple 3-D printers, a 1.4-watt laser and computers pre-loaded with modeling software

Support for You
Whatever type of resource you need –a way to improve your math skills, a place to exercise, help with a job search or a disability – we have facilities and personnel ready to help.
Astronautical Engineering Career opportunities

• We offer the Capitol Commitment because we are positive you’ll get a job offer within 90 days of commencement. (See program details.)
• Your bachelor’s in astronautical engineering (BSAE) degree prepares you for entry-level positions such as; systems engineer, in flight operations, flight dynamics, mission planning, satellite instrument design
• We’ve placed students in co-op positions and internships at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Mean anticipated annual salary is $71,070

Key Faculty
Angela Walters, Astronautical Engineering Program Chair
Angela Walters has a BS degree in Mathematics from Arcadia University and an MS in Physics from Drexel University. Her interests include satellite operations and ground system design, systems engineering, information assurance, using data analytics to improve current big data management strategies at NASA, and of course Black Holes.
Industry experience includes software and systems testing for NASA satellite ground systems and verification and validation of DOD methods for data retrieval, and providing quality assurance for NASDAQ online broker exams. She’s a member of the Maryland Space Grant Consortium and is an advisor to Capitol’s VelcroSat Club, Model Rocketry Club and the RockStat X team member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).
Dr. Alex "Sandy" Antunes, Astronautical Engineering Professor
 Dr. Alex "Sandy" Antunes, is a professor of astronautical engineering at Capitol Technology University as well as a solo satellite builder with Project Calliope. Having once declared 'any idiot can build a satellite', Sandy set out to be that idiot, and has since written four books for O'Reilly/Maker Media for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Space movement. Prior work includes astrophysics and mission work at GSFC, solar physics at NRL, and freelance science writing. In addition to teaching, he currently mentors Capitol students on their recently awarded CACTUS-I CubeSat space launch initiative. Sandy's current interest in effective teaching methods for the online-dominated era.
Requirements/Admissions
Follow this simple 6 step process to apply for admission to the Bachelor in Astronautical Engineering program.
Requirements/Curriculum

• The BSAE degree is a total of 120 credits, which covers engineering, computer science, technical courses, mathematics and sciences, English and social science courses
• Click here for a course list

Tuition & Fees

• The application fee is $25
• Full-time tuition is $11,994 per semester, plus fees
• The active duty military tuition rate is $250 per credit, plus fees
• All full-time students who keep their student account current are promised their tuition will not increase more than 1% over four years
• For the cost of living in one of Capitol Technology University's six residential facilities, click here

Graduates of our astronautical engineering program are employed by:

• Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute
• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Lockheed Martin
• General Dynamics
• KBRwyle

“All of my dreams have come true here: I’ve been able to work with satellites, I’ve been able to work with rockets, I’ve learned all about orbital mechanics, orbital sciences, and I’m now focusing on being an orbital degree specialist. I absolutely love it.”
Ryan Schrenk, BSAE ‘15
--Read Ryan’s full story here.
Related Information

• Degree Requirements
• Program Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
• Fusion Lab
• CubeSat Projects
  • Project Hermes
  • Project TRAPSat
  • Project CACTUS-1
• Capitol Balloon Experiment Club
• Satellite Flight Operations Training Center (SFOTC)
• Schedule a Visit
• Request Information
• Apply Now!

Earn an Online Doctor of Science (DSc) in Cybersecurity at Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located Near Washington, D.C.)

Earn a doctorate degree in cyber and information security, advance both scholarly research and your career
Link to Page:  https://www.captechu.edu/node/814
What was once an IT concern, cybersecurity is now a boardroom concern. The threat of cybercrime is a disruptive reality for decision-makers across all industries and branches of the government. Capitol Technology University’s first of its kind DSc program in cybersecurity brings together an extraordinary peer community of computer and security experts all committed to understanding and evaluating the scope and impact of systems and technology from institutional, industry and global perspectives.
After completing this program, you’ll be able to conduct research as a foundation for executive action, demonstrate innovation and creativity as it relates to the strategic performance of an agency or organization and contribute to the decision-making process. You can choose electives based on your professional focus.  A few examples of elective topics are; healthcare information security, information assurance strategic management and software assurance development.
Why earn a Doctor of Science (DSc) in Cybersecurity at Capitol?

• Our doctorate in cyber security degree was the first of its kind in the nation
• Our low residency requirement takes in consideration the time commitment of your established career
• Our campus is close to Washington D.C., and many of our faculty work for defense contractors, and government agencies

Active duty/retired military
We’re proud to help the men and women who defend our country advance their education by:

• Giving members of the Maryland National Guard a 50% tuition discount
• Offering flexible payment options for active duty students
• Being a participating member of the Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program and Montgomery GI Bill
• Listing our online programs in the DANTES catalog, which allows students to get tuition reimbursement support under DANTES
• Getting our programs approved by the Veterans Administration

Key Faculty
Dr. William Butler, Cyber Security Program Director
Bill Butler is currently the program director and head of the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center (CICPC) at Capitol Technology University. Previously he worked in the networking and IT industries as a network engineer and consultant and, also served as a joint qualified communications information systems officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired as a Colonel with 30 years of service (active and reserve). Dr. Butler is very active in various working groups such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cloud Computing Security Forum Working Group (NIST CCSFWG), Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Big Data and Mobile Computing Working Group, and the National CyberWatch Center Curriculum Taskforce and the National Cybersecurity Student Association Advisory Board. He holds degrees from Brenau University, Marine Corps University, U.S. Army War College, National Defense University, University of Maryland and Capitol Technology University. Dr. Butler earned his Doctorate in Cybersecurity at Capitol in 2016 researching consumer countermeasures to illegal cellphone intercept.
Dr. Jason Pittman, professor
Jason Pittman draws on his previous experiences as a network engineer, security architect and software developer to make the cybersecurity courses he teaches come alive for his students.
Prior to becoming a professor, Dr. Pittman was the lead in security and development for Silent Circle. His recent scholarly research includes, Trust and Transhumanism: An Analysis of the Boundaries of Zero-Knowledge Proof and Technologically Mediated Authentication, published in Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective, 2017. And, he’s given numerous presentations at The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education, the Education Special Interest of the Association of Information Technology Professionals and other professional associations. He holds degrees from Malone University and Capital Technology University. Dr. Pittman earned his DSc in Information Assurance at Capitol in 2012 researching network probing laboratory scenarios.
Career Opportunities
You’ll graduate with the credentials needed to become a senior leader, program developer, and policy maker in federal agencies and the private cybersecurity field.
Online Cyber Security PhD with low residency requirement

• Online classes allow you to work around your busy schedule
• Meet on campus two weekends per year

Format

• Small cohort enables you to network with classmates and receive personalized attention from faculty
• Accelerated classes, most last 8 weeks
• Classes taught online, you can refer to the recorded class sessions for review

Requirements/Admissions

• All applicants must include a non-refundable application fee of $100
• Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field; Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Science or Information Technology, plus a minimum of 5 years of directly related work experience
• Click here for specific details regarding online admissions deadlines, where to send transcripts, recommendation forms, etc.

Requirements/Curriculum

• The Doctorate degree in Cybersecurity is a total of 54-66 credits, which covers a literature review, professional research and theory, professional ethics and leadership, dissertation preparation, and other topics. Students can select from several electives based on their personal focus
• Click here for a course list

Tuition & Fees

• The application fee is $100
• The per credit charge for doctorate courses is $867. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students
• The entrance exam fee is $100

 “I liked the fact that there was a lot of writing in the courses. That made it a lot easier when I started work on my dissertation, because I already had a lot of information and research that I could use. The program was very thorough and the staff was helpful.”
--Seria D. Lakes, D. Sc. ’14, Author of Telehealth Security: An Examination of Variance in Telehealth Security Breaches
(Read Seria’s full story here.)

Related Information

• Degree Requirements
• Admission Requirements
• Tuition & Fees
• Inquiry Form
• Attend a Virtual Information Session
• Key Learning Outcomes
• Apply now!
• Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center (CICPC)

Broadband for All: Capitol Technology University Career Conference Highlights OneWeb Mission

Building global internet access is an endeavor that betters the lives of billions, and the global communications firm OneWeb is helping to spearhead the effort.
Hank Tseu, a senior ground software architect at the firm, will be visiting the Capitol Technology University on Tuesday (September 26) to discuss OneWeb’s plans to build the world’s largest satellite constellation in a bid to make affordable internet access available to everyone on the planet.
According to the company, “we’re applying advanced technologies such as cloud computing and big data to launch and operate the world’s largest satellite constellation. And by doing so, we will transform how the world interacts with the internet through affordable, ubiquitous access for all.”
Tseu is the keynote speaker at this fall’s Career Conference at Capitol, a twice-yearly event designed to help match companies and organizations with up-and-coming talent in the business and technology fields.
“We’re excited,” said associate director of career services Sarah Alspaw, who is organizing the event. “The skills and qualifications of our students happen to match OneWeb’s hiring needs closely, and we also believe students will be excited to hear about the company’s mission and the opportunities they might have to contribute.”
Firms like OneWeb depend on being able to recruit qualified engineers and technologists, and Capitol attracts these industries because of the degree programs offered at the university, including astronautical engineering and computer science, Alspaw said.
Industry is drawn to Capitol because of its ABET-accredited engineering programs and its designation as Center of Excellence in cybersecurity, and because of the practical experience that students at the university acquire early on, she said.
“They’re impressed by the hands-on projects that students are involved in here, such as the Cactus-1 satellite project, and by the fact that these projects are largely student-driven,” she said. “We enable our students to become leaders early on in their academic career, whereas at other schools that might not get that experience until their senior year.
Companies, Alspaw said, are also impressed by the Capitol Technology University Commitment, under which the school pledges that qualified graduates will be hired at competitive salaries within their fields within 90 days of graduation. Should that not happen, Capitol offers up to 36 undergraduate credits tuition-free.
“It shows we have great confidence in our programs and in the employability of our graduates,” she said. “Not many schools are willing to make that kind of commitment.”
The Career Conference will take place from at the McGowan Center on the Capitol campus in Laurel, MD. Doors open at 10 am for juniors and seniors, and at 11 am for freshmen and sophomores. Workshops will be held in the afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm. You do not have to be a Capitol student to attend; the event is open to interested members of the wider community. For more information, contact Career Services at careers@captechu.edu
Link:  http://bit.ly/2fD0Cu2

Have Fun and Learn Cyber Skills at Capitol's Next Cyber Saturday! -Capitol Technology University

Are you a high school or community college student with an interest in computers, coding, gaming and cybersecurity?
If that sounds like you, you’ll want to be at the McGowan Center on the Capitol campus starting at 9 am on Saturday, September 23 for a series of exciting, game-type activities, including virtual lockpicking.
The event is part of an ongoing series of Cyber Saturdays held on at Capitol Technology University's Cyber Lab, a pioneering facility that provides a venue for practicing cybersecurity skills and techniques in a real-time setting.
Food will be provided, and participants will also have the opportunity to win door prizes. The lab is located on the second floor of the McGowan Center at Capitol's campus in Laurel, MD. Look for Room M201.
Cyber Saturdays are mainly intended to be fun, while at the same time involving skills utilized in cybersecurity, one of today’s most in-demand fields.
“These events increase awareness and then they get students interested in the [cybersecurity] profession,” says Dr. William Butler, chair of the Cybersecurity program at Capitol.
Cyber Saturdays have been a recurring event at Capitol since 2013. Meghan Young, director of admissions, says the program has been highly popular.
"Capitol is in an ideal position to offer events like these because of our designated Cyber Lab and our faculty who take the time to make learning fun and interesting,” Young said. “It gets better and better each year."
The event is open to anyone with an interest in computers or gaming, but space is limited. To find out more, contact the Cyber Lab at cybersat@captechu.edu
Link:  http://bit.ly/2fl2xmN

Capitol Technology University (Since 1927 Located near Washington D.C.) Students Savor NASA Launch, Project Success

Not many college graduates can say they have had the experience of building a payload and seeing NASA launch it into space.

For the Capitol Technology University students who attended RockSat-X this summer, it was an experience they won’t forget.
“The launch was at 5:30 am,” recalls Christopher Murray, the team’s flight software specialist. “We had a smooth recovery, with our payload still intact – although a little seawater got in. Our antenna was preserved. Most of our stuff was retrievable; we just had to wipe off the water.”
Murray and his fellow team members were there to test Project Hermes, an ongoing, student-led effort to investigate new approaches to satellite control and telemetry. Initiated by Capitol professor Rishabh Maharaja in 2014, the project has experimented with methods of linking up with a satellite payload using a mobile phone.
Attending RockSat-X in August along with Murray were fellow team members Marissa Jagarnath, Sam Lawson, Sophia LoSchiavo, Erik Schroen, Pierce Smith, and Dean Zanetti, together with mentor Ryan Schrenk.
At RockSat-X, the team’s goal was to communicate with its payload via the Iridium constellation, a globe-spanning network of 66 satellites in polar orbit.
“We were able to achieve instantaneous communication between the rocket and our smartphones, allowing us to track it at apogee and plot its path,” Murray explains. “We’re the first to do that using Iridium. It’s quite groundbreaking.”
Sophia LoSchiavo, Hermes project manager, said the team is pleased with the results, despite some anomalies.
“We received messages to our cell phones containing GPS data as well as maintenance data,” she said. “We received latitude and longitude – the longitude was accurate, though the latitude data was iffy. Even though we didn’t receive as much data as we would have liked, there was definitely enough to call it successful.”
Team member Sam Lawson played a key role in designing and building the payload structure. He says he values the practical experience gained through RockSat-X – and through Project Hermes and similar endeavors at Capitol.
“You get to design a payload from the ground up while working within NASA guidelines,” he said. “Working as part of a team to co-ordinate and build your own thing and at the end of the process see it get sent into space – it’s really exciting.”
Students also see gaining hands-on experience as essential to forging a successful career, Murray said.
“Everything that we’re doing here benefits the students and is helping us look better when we go out into the job market. Not many people in a job interview can honestly say that they have participated in designing a payload that went up into space,” he said.
“It’s a great thing to have on your resume,” LoSchiavo agreed.
Photos: a) From left: Sophia LoSchiavo, Ryan Schrenk, Pierce Smith, Christopher Murray, Marissa Jagarnath, Sam Lawson; b) the Hermnes payload. Photos by Marissa Jagarnath
Link:  http://bit.ly/2h39zgh

Equifax breach may have unprecedented impact, researcher says from Capitol Technology University

The cybersecurity incident reported by Equifax on Friday (September 7) is likely the highest-impact breach yet recorded, according to a leading researcher in the field.

 

“Imagine a hurricane that affected half the population of the United States. We’re approaching 50% of the US population being impacted by this breach,” says Dr. Jason M. Pittman, a professor in Capitol Technology University’s cybersecurity program.

Up to 143 million Americans may have had personal data exposed in the breach, Equifax has indicated. According to the company, criminals were able to access personal information such as names, social security numbers, birthdates, addresses and driver’s license numbers. Credit card numbers for around 209,000 consumers were likely stolen.

“The people’s identities that are in that data set are severely impacted,” Pittman said. “You’re looking at long-term extensions of identity theft. Stolen identities aren’t going to be used now -- they are going to be used in a year. That’s typical of how the criminal element works with such data.”

Identity theft can have more power to harm than theft of credit card data, he said. While credit card companies and individuals can act quickly to cancel stolen cards and halt purchases, identity information is permanent.

“A credit card number, I just change it. Little impact on me. With a social security number, birthdate and name, we’re talking about a person’s biological identity,” Pittman said. “Is the federal government going to change 150 million social security numbers? The potential for long-term damage is extreme.”

Pittman and his colleagues in Capitol’s cybersecurity program are working to train and educate a corps of professionals to help meet the grave challenges posed by incidents such as the Equifax breach. The university was the first in the nation to launch a doctoral degree in the field, and also offers degrees at the  master’s and undergraduate levels. Capitol is a Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency designated Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity education.

Demand for well-trained cybersecurity professionals has “never been greater,” according to the chair of Capitol’s program, Dr. William Butler. 

“We’re doing our part to address the skills gap by keeping our cybersecurity curriculum updated and aligned with the emerging threat horizon," Butler said. 

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