A journey in cybersecurity awareness and education
RJ Michael gives a presentation of his work.
September 6, 2024
Technology is increasingly becoming critical for people’s everyday lives. Rural Alaska communities are no exception. Remote communities, however, do not have cost-effective access to many resources, including technology training.
This summer, University of Alaska Anchorage computer science major RJ Michael worked during his internship with ACEP’s John Haverlack to learn, create and inform others about cybersecurity awareness through a training mini-series.
Michael designed and organized the training series using multimedia platforms to provide seamless access to audiences in person or asynchronously.
Michael gave a cybersecurity awareness presentation to all employees at the Kotzebue Electric Association during a cybersecurity site visit in July with ACEP staff members John Haverlack, Solomon Himelbloom and Joy Lomelino.
The topics Michael covered included cyber threats, ways to reduce cyber risks and cybersecurity best practices. The presentation was so well received that KEA general manager Tom Atkinson expressed interest in offering this training annually.
As a Gwich’in Athabascan growing up in Bethel, a town off the main road system, Michael understands rural Alaska. Increasing dependence on technology brings vulnerability to a number of cyber threats, including malware, phishing and social engineering, and Michael emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness.
“Technology is a great way for Alaskans to share and work together across our vast state and they should ensure that they are doing so safely and securely,” he said. “Giving Alaskans access to the training material developed in this internship has the potential to make a huge impact not only in the office but in people's personal lives.”
RJ Michael, at the end of the table, presents cybersecurity awareness training to the KEA staff in Kotzebue.
This mini-series will not only help end-users start to think about cybersecurity but feel more secure and confident when encountering cyber threats.
Becoming a subject matter expert and designing a lesson in a short timeframe is no easy feat. Through his internship Michael deepened his understanding of cybersecurity by using his research, learning, creativity and teaching skills throughout the summer and gaining increased confidence in these areas.
Michael recognizes the importance of feedback and constructive criticism for improvement. He is thankful for those who listened to his presentations and who gave meaningful feedback, his mentor and fellow interns and the data team for his experience.
This internship is funded by the National Science Foundation through ACEP’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. View the final presentation for this project on ACEP’s YouTube Channel. For more information on this project, please contact John Haverlack at jehaverlack@alaska.edu.