Getting ready for 2023

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December 2022

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear <<First Name>>,

As 2022 draws to a close, we look back on a successful year while gearing up for new endeavors in 2023.

I am inspired by Virginia students who take what they‘re learning and apply that knowledge directly to their careers, including some who start their own companies.

For example, Areej Ali, a George Mason University student pursuing a master of science degree in cyber security engineering, has had two internships with start-ups through CCI. Now she’s starting a business called DigiMicro—a Web 3.0-based single sign-on service that allows people to access niche articles.

Areej Ali, master's in cyber security engineering student, George Mason University

Areej interned at technology-focused business intelligence startup Next5, then at cybersecurity consulting firm Solvitur Systems. Her Next5 internship led to a full-time position as a business intelligence analyst at LookingGlass Cyber, which acquired the startup.

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Internships pay off

CCI works with the Virginia Space Grant Consortium to fund cybersecurity internships as part of the Commonwealth STEM Industry Internship Program (CSIIP), resulting in 92 placements in 27 companies.

Of these interns, 28 percent are women, 2 percent are military veterans, and 35 percent are people of color. We’ve found that 91 percent of these interns remain in the cybersecurity field. Companies hosting cyber interns include Grey Gecko, MI Technical Solutions, Coronet Technology Enterprises, RecAccess, AIS Network, Arks, and Cybrex.

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INNOVATE Cyber

INNOVATE Cyber is another fantastic opportunity for Virginia students to learn real-world skills. Every year, I’m impressed by the talented cohort and their creative projects. Applications are being accepted now from students at Virginia’s colleges and universities.

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Cyber Fusion

CCI is proud to co-host the two-day Cyber Fusion event (Feb. 24-25, 2023) with the Virginia Military Institute for a second year.
Cyber Fusion features a career fair and panel. It’s a two-way street with students hearing from companies and companies meeting possible future employees. Students also compete in a capture-the-flag-style contest, with the winner receiving a trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Companies interested in participating in the cyber defense career fair and being showcased on the website, should contact Lt. Col. Kim Connolly or visit the Cyber Fusion website. Don’t delay. Spots are limited.

Apply to become a CCI Fellow

CCI Fellows play key leadership roles in competing for large-scale research projects and providing guidance on research directions. We’re extending the program into 2023.

APPLY NOW

Seeking proposals for
Vehicle Security Symposium

CCI Researcher Ryan M. Gerdes, technical program co-chair for the Vehicle Security Symposium (previously the AutoSec Workshop), is inviting the CCI community to submit proposals.

CyberArts Exhibit

Watch behind-the-scenes footage of the CCI CyberArts Exhibit

If you missed our CyberArts Exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art, you can learn about the creative work being done in the cybersecurity field from a video of the exhibit. We’re planning to announce another cyber arts call for proposals next year, so be on the lookout!

Securing 5G networks and power grids

CCI Researcher Ali Mehrizi-Sani, an associate professor of electrical engineering at Virginia Tech, participated in a Punchbowl News event with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) in Washington, D.C., in November. Mehrizi-Sani has been working on securing 5G networks and U.S. power grids. Watch the video to hear him discuss how 5G networks will have a dramatic impact on the U.S. power grid, especially in regards to climate change.