CyberSpartans Cybersecurity Summer Camp
July 8-12, 2024
CyberSpartans Summer Camp was an intensive, five-day program held online from 9 am to 1 pm each day. The camp focused on providing a foundation in cybersecurity and raising students' interest in the field. Each day was designed to build on the previous day's learning, culminating in a well-rounded understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. We hope that this camp has sparked a lasting interest in cybersecurity and equipped students with the foundational skills to pursue further studies and careers in this critical field.
Day 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity
The camp began with an introduction to the world of cybersecurity, covering its importance in today's digital age, the current state of the field, and different career paths. Students also learned about the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity, including the types of cyber threats, the role of cryptography, and the significance of controls in protecting data and systems. This session aimed to inspire and motivate students to pursue further learning and a possible career in cybersecurity.
Day 2: Linux Fundamentals
Speaker: James Risler - Cisco
Day 2 started with an overview of the operating system and its importance in cybersecurity. Students were introduced to basic Linux commands, file system navigation, and essential command-line tools. Hands-on activities helped students practice these commands, providing them with practical skills and confidence in using Linux, a critical skill for any aspiring cybersecurity professional.
Day 3: Network Security
Speaker: Angela Ramos - University of Tampa
On Day 3, students learned about the basics of networking and common network protocols. The sessions also introduced the OSI model and the essential network security tools such as Nmap, a powerful network scanning tool, and Wireshark, a network protocol analyzer. Students gained hands-on experience in using these tools to detect vulnerabilities and analyze network traffic, reinforcing the theoretical concepts covered.
Day 4: Access Control
Speaker: Nicholas Fadden - ReliaQuest, University of Tampa
On the fourth day, the topic was access control. This session covered the principles of authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). Students learned about different methods of access control, including password policies, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control. Students had the opportunity to learn about different types of password attacks and techniques. Practical examples and case studies illustrated the importance of implementing strong access control measures to protect sensitive information and systems from unauthorized access.
Day 5: Web Security
Speaker: Ben Syn - KnowBe4
The final day of the camp was dedicated to web security. Students were introduced to HTML, CSS, and SQL languages and common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). The session emphasized the importance of secure coding practices and provided an overview of various tools and techniques for testing and securing web applications. Through demonstrations and exercises, students learned how to identify and mitigate these vulnerabilities, ensuring a secure web presence.
Thank you for participating in the camp.
We look forward to your future contributions to the cybersecurity community!
