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Increasingly, small businesses are big targets for bad actors on the web. Recent analysis suggests that 46% of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, with malware and ransomware attacks generating $2.8 billion in damages in 2020.1
In 2021, Forge Institute partnered with DOD SkillBridge to create a unique, one-of-its kind program designed to provide transitioning military members with a work-based cyber learning internship opportunity in the private sector. The Forge Fellowship program was launched with five Fellows.Two years later, I caught up with four of those members to glean their insight into the program and its importance to the state and nation’s security.
As the Chief External Affairs Officer of the Forge Institute, a former Air Force Master Sergeant, and now retired Commissioned Officer, my journey has been one of transformation and personal growth. In this post, I want to reflect on what it truly means to be a "Mustang" and how this unique experience has shaped me both in the military and in my current role.
Transitioning from Military Police Officer to Cybersecurity: My Journey with Forge Institute
In today's interconnected world, the digital landscape has become an essential part of conducting business, enabling small businesses to thrive and reach wider audiences. However, as the reliance on technology grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Unfortunately, many small businesses underestimate the significance of cybersecurity. While we agree that building profitability and taking care of customers are the chief priorities of any small business, the case for cybersecurity being your number two priority is very strong.
Positions in information security and cybersecurity are of the highest value among companies and organizations of nearly any size. As our processes become more digitized, dark web adversaries have become more brazen, which has increased demand for a workforce fortified with specialized technical skills – skills that cannot be acquired from online, at-your-pace certification programs.
“It’s been a great privilege to work with this team,” said Mark Hayes before officially signing the MOU. “I think we have a great opportunity for our state, and to be only one of three states in the country doing this kind of work is amazing.”
“The cyber field is in tremendous need of diverse talent,” says Hartman. “As a woman in cyber security, you would also have the opportunity to help break down barriers and challenge the status quo.”
Computer science is not just a career pathway, it's part of every single aspect of our world. How could we let a student graduate high school without access to this basic education? If we do, we're not preparing them for the world which they are entering. (read more)
You have the skills. You know what you want to do. Now you just have to find that perfect job. When you have everything figured out, why is finding a job the hardest part? Forge Institute and Conway Area Chamber of Commerce partnered in efforts to overcome this challenge by connecting graduates of Forge Institute’s IT/Cyber Fundamentals program with companies that have open entry level positions through an event structured similar to a speed dating event.
Forge Institute has become an effective conduit for promoting and establishing collaborative partnerships that are essential to our nation’s cybersecurity. In recent months, we’ve formed strategic alliances between universities, government institutions, and private cybersecurity firms to create a powerful network determined to secure our nation’s digital infrastructure. The pursuit of allying ourselves with like minded organizations is ongoing, and is assisted by a new collaboration recently formed with Nonprofit Cyber.
“The increase in use of technology and the growing sophistication of data-based adversaries are contributing to the growing threat to our aerospace and defense industries,” explained Watson, who appeared via special invitation from Chad Causey, Executive Director of the Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance.
When Forge Institute was created in 2018, a square logo made sense. I designed it myself. It was self-contained, simple, and looked good enough on the corner of a press release or stamped into a coffee mug. Many brands have been well-served with a square logo, but for some reason, ours just didn't feel right. Plus, we needed one and I only had 5 minutes in between projects…
A year ago, I began my transition from a 20-year career in the United States Air Force to civilian life. The drastic life change can be daunting to many service members, myself included. There is a fantastic plethora of organizations and programs to help with this monumental task. Wading through the information from these groups is like drinking from a fire hose and can become overwhelming. The program that has had the most significant impact on my transition is DOD SkillBridge. The SkillBridge program allows service members to spend up to their last 180 days in service working with a private organization.
“A lot of people coming out of the military feel like the mission is over,” says McCauley, who currently serves as Director of Cyber Security Incident Management and Intelligence at GlaxoSmithKline. “That’s one reason suicide is a major problem with veterans. Careers in cyber renew a purpose to protect.”
GlaxoSmithKline Enlists its Staff in Forge Institute Cyber Training BootcampThe pharma industry bears all the characteristics of a primary target for cyberattacks: high revenues and intellectual property, including trade secrets and more. In fact, the “life sciences” industry was rated the fourth most “at risk” industry in terms of valuation impacts arising from cyber security issues, according to a Delotte survey.
The National Day of Civic Hacking is reimagining the 911 emergency system
At Forge Institute think this is an exciting opportunity to change the conversation about cybersecurity and hacking. Traditionally everyone is up-in-arms trying to destroy hackers, this day brings forth a call to use your hacking skills for good. It will be exciting to see the innovation that comes from this day. It really is amazing to see what we come up with when we all work together for good.
Renowned Data Scientist Dr. Elizabeth Parker Joins the Forge Institute Advisory Board
Forge Institute, the Arkansas-based provider of cyber defense workforce training and threat analytic capabilities, announced today the addition of Dr. Elizabeth Parker to its Advisory Board. Dr. Parker serves as Sr. Director – Principal Data Scientist at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (ABCBS).
Cybersecurity is among those new industries growing in Arkansas, and a partnership Forge Institute and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) is helping to spur the movement forward. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) helps families stay together by empowering family leaders with job skills and assistance. Forge Institute has partnered with the TANF program to provide entry level IT & cybersecurity skills to Arkansans eager to develop workforce ready skills.