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Organizations of all sizes are vulnerable to an insider threat, especially with the ever-evolving technological landscape. An insider threat leverages authorized access or special understanding of the organization to wreak havoc to that organization. The harm could be malicious activity, negligence, or unintentional actions that negatively impact on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization, its data, personnel, facilities, and associated resources.

This presentation focused on managing insider threats from the psychosocial behavioral indicator perspective, seeking to identify at-risk employees at organizations using the psychosocial behavioral model for predicting potential insider threats. The end goal is to proactively use interventional behavioral mechanisms to thwart or circumvent the risks posed by a person of concern or insider.

• Event Date & Time: Friday, Sep. 26, 2025 - 1–2 p.m. ET
• Watch the Event Recap:��

This talk covered the format and high-level content of the Cyber Ready Professionals program, open to cybersecurity students at any higher education institution in the nation. Program rationale and objectives were covered as well as how professional coaches augment the program’s assignments to help with the transition from a “student mentality” to a professional mindset prior to graduation.

• Event Date & Time: Monday, Sep. 29, 2025 - Noon–1 p.m. ET
• Watch the Event Recap:��

The cybersecurity job market is thriving, but how can newcomers break in? This session dives into the essentials of launching a cybersecurity career, from identifying your motivations to building a strong foundation of skills and experience. The discussion highlights the importance of

• Understanding your career trajectory
• The value of degrees and certifications
• The power of networking��
• The role of soft skills like critical thinking and communication
• The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals

Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot into cyber, this session offers actionable insights and resources to help you succeed.��This event is exclusive to UMGC alumni, students, and UMGC staff/faculty.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 - 7–8 p.m. ET
• This event has passed.

Prince George's County officially announces the launch of their Cyber Clinic, a community initiative delivering affordable cybersecurity services and preparing organizations and professionals for the future of compliance and operational security.��This milestone empowers students, faculty, professionals, small businesses, nonprofits, local government, and community members across Prince George’s County by training and equipping talent who will go on to mentor and support the region.

• Event Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 - 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
• Location:��Cyber Clinic, 6406 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD, Pavilion��
• This event has passed.

In a world shaped by AI-generated content, deepfakes, and curated digital realities, how do we separate fact from fiction—truth from illusion? This provocative keynote challenges our assumptions about what we see, hear, and believe in an age of information overload. With insight, wit, and urgency, the speaker will explore how technology is reshaping our perceptions, why critical thinking has never been more vital, and what it means to seek authenticity in a world that often deceives our senses. Prepare to question everything—and walk away seeing the world a little differently.

• Event Date & Time: Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 - Noon–1 p.m. ET
• Watch the Event Recap:��

While cybercriminals can now breach networks in just 51 seconds, this unprecedented threat landscape has created a golden age for cybersecurity careers with 4.8 million unfilled positions globally. Choosing cybersecurity education, particularly through programs like UMGC's nationally recognized offerings, transforms individual career decisions into contributions toward collective digital security.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 - Noon–1 p.m. ET
• Watch the Event Recap:��

Join us for the inaugural UMGC Europe Cyber Summit, a landmark virtual conference bringing together some of the world's most respected cybersecurity experts. This isn't just a conference; it's a front-row seat to the future of digital defense, featuring a lineup of speakers with decades of combined experience.

This is your chance to learn directly from industry titans respected around the world, including:

• Dave Chronister, CEO and a 30-year veteran of the cybersecurity front lines
• Jonathan Hard, CEO leading the charge on AI strategy
• Wayne Burke, Chief Security Officer with live-action defense demonstrations
• Amber Schroader, CEO and a digital forensics pioneer and visionary
• Dr. Warren Mack, a "Cybersecurity Guru" forecasting the future
• Albert Whale, CEO and an international bestselling author sharing real-world hacks
• Frank Satterwhite, CEO, 1600 Cyber GmbH

UMGC Europe's Cybersecurity Summit is a no-cost, virtual, and groundbreaking event. It's an unparalleled opportunity to gain actionable insights, learn from hard-won experience, and prepare for the next frontier of cybersecurity.

• Event Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 - 6:15 a.m.–2 p.m. ET (12:15–8 p.m. CET)
• This event has passed.

Interested in a career in intelligence? Whether you're aiming for a role in a federal agency or a private-sector company combating industrial espionage, this webinar offers valuable insights to help you prepare. Panelists share their personal career journeys and offer practical advice on navigating the intelligence field.��In this session, you’ll gain valuable insights into launching and advancing a career in the intelligence field—whether in government agencies or the private sector.

You’ll learn how to

• Navigate the hiring process for intelligence roles, including timelines and expectations
• Understand the importance of security clearances and certifications, and how to prepare for them
• Develop soft skills and personal qualities that are valued in intelligence work
• Explore different career paths through real-life stories from professionals in the field
• Build skills in networking, mentorship, and continuous learning in a way that can help you achieve long-term career success��

This webinar is ideal for students and professionals of all majors who are curious about or committed to making an impact in the world of intelligence and national security.

This event is exclusive to UMGC alumni, students, and staff/faculty.��

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 - 7–8 p.m. ET
• This event has passed.

What if governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) could keep pace with innovation instead of falling behind? Most programs are still manual, fragmented, and reactive. They slow teams down and frustrate developers with constant requests, like pulling screenshots for audits. GRC Engineering offers a better path by applying systems thinking, automation, and design to create scalable, intelligent frameworks. In this session, you’ll learn what GRC Engineering is, who is leading the shift, and how it is transforming the profession. Whether you're in risk, compliance, or technology, come learn about the future of the GRC profession.

• Event Date & Time: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 - Noon–1 p.m. ET
• Watch the Event Recap:��

Jesse Varsalone, �������� collegiate associate professor in cybersecurity technology, demonstrated how to��perform physical attacks against Windows and Linux systems and discussed how to defend against these types of attacks. Windows and Linux systems pose a far greater security risk when they are connected to critical infrastructure devices. The presentation was moderated by Jennifer Hull, administrative coordinator at t ��������'s Center for Security Studies.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 - Noon–1 p.m.

Dr. James Robertson, portfolio director for cyber devops programs at t ��������, looked back on his rich experiences in the areas of AI, Machine Learning, software security, cybersecurity, and more��to describe and demonstrate popular cloud-based tools that use AI/ML approaches to securing infrastructure. Emphasis is on automation, notification and alert tools which work to detect and prioritize threats to expedite mitigation.

• Event Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 - Noon–12:45 p.m.

Detailed data collection by companies has created enormous privacy risks for consumers. Maryland sees this firsthand with thousands of reported breaches impacting residents each year. This data collection has also fueled targeted advertising to children on social media platforms that has been linked to behavioral and other harms. In the absence of national action, Maryland became the fifteenth state to enact a consumer privacy law. That law, the Maryland’s Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA), . This webinar provided an overview of Maryland’s new data privacy law and the rights and protections that residents can now claim.

• Event Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 - Noon–1 p.m.

Explore the transformative potential of AI in mental health and resilience, focusing on the cutting-edge application of AI-powered solutions like Elanah. Delve into how Generative AI, microlearning, and natural language processing are revolutionizing personalized support for individuals, veterans, and communities. Josh Otero, founder and chairman of the (an organization dedicated to empowering veterans through gaming) demonstrated how AI can deliver real-time interventions, foster behavioral changes, and build long-term resilience, all while adapting to the evolving needs of users.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 - 1–2 p.m.

Craig Porter, a senior account executive with Open Text Inc. with more than 20 years of experience as a special agent with the FBI, is highly regarded as an expert on computer forensic analysis. Porter discussed his previous experiences in��digital forensics/cyber crime in U.S. federal law enforcement. His presentation included breaking into the digital forensics law enforcement world, lessons learned, and a question & answer session.

• Event Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 - Noon–1 p.m.

As 2023 draws to a close, we commemorate 20 years of Cybersecurity Awareness Month! In honor of this milestone, our presenters looked at how far security education and awareness has come in that time, and where it needs to go to fulfill our vision of a secure interconnected world. Our expert panel of UMGC experts included:

• James Roberston, program director, cyber devops
• Patrick Appiah-Kubi, program director, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and computer networking
• Jesse Varsalone, collegiate associate professor, cybersecurity technology

This event took place��Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET��online via Zoom.

Jesse Varsalone, �������� collegiate associate professor in cybersecurity technology, hosted a "Tech Talk" presentation on��penetration testing of ICS/SCADA/IoT devices. After exploiting the device, Varsalone reviewed artifacts left by the attacker and discussed remediation techniques to secure these types of devices.

The event was hosted by MISI, a Maryland-based cybersecurity nonprofit, and took place��Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET��online via Zoom.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an approach to verifying user identity using at least one method of authentication. It is a security measure that acts as an extra layer of defense, preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential information. Todd Pearce, manager of IT security operations at t ��������, discussed this important tool in securing user identities and access management.

This event took place Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET��online via Zoom.

Chuck Gardner, senior advisor for the Cyber Innovation Center, spoke about K-12 cybersecurity curriculum, resources, and activities for educators. This discussion centered on federally funded resources that are appropriate for high school teachers, K-8 teachers, instructors, and caregivers. Attendees learned how students can earn industry-based credentials before graduating from high school, including CompTIA Security+.

This event took place��Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET��online via Zoom.

Dr. Aaron Drew—senior enterprise solutions architect in the Office of Information & Technology, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and UMGC adjunct associate professor—spoke about how the U.S. government aims to move toward "zero trust" cybersecurity principles to protect its supply chain technical environment. The discussion focused on the tools, technologies, and approaches that ultimately support this strategy.

This event took place��Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET��online via Zoom.

Level Up Your Cyber Game:

• Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, 3–4 p.m. ET
• Hosted by the NCA
• Attendees joined us for a turbocharged webinar gameshow and tested their cyber skills! They took part in thrilling challenges and strategic quandaries and learned essential info and practical techniques to safeguard their digital lives.

20 Years of Cyber Awareness Month:

• Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, 2–3:30 p.m. ET
• Hosted by the NCA
• We've come a long way in 20 years, but we still have more to do. We must secure technology, protect critical infrastructure, and bridge the cyber career gap. Event attendees joined elected officials, government leaders, and industry executives to examine the road ahead.

2023 USDA Cybersecurity Expo:

• Tuesday, Oct. 3–Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. ET (both days)
• Hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Event participants chose from more than 25 info sessions presented by industry experts. They learned about the development of the cyber workforce, AI, cyber modernization, and more.

NCA Cybersecurity Event:

• Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, Noon–1 p.m. ET
• Hosted by the NCA
• Our expert panelists discussed public attitudes and beliefs about cybersecurity.

Maryland STEM Festival:

• Oct. 13–Nov. 11, 2023
• The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Attendees chose from hundreds of events throughout Maryland focused on fun, interactive STEM learning opportunities.

Log4j is used worldwide across software applications and online services, and the vulnerability requires very little expertise to exploit. This makes Log4shell potentially the most severe computer vulnerability in years. Ben Crenshaw, senior PeopleSoft engineer at Oracle, discussed this vulnerability with the �������� community.

Have you ever wondered if we are living in a machine-generated simulation? How would we know? These questions may seem more at place in a philosophy lecture, but the notion of a simulation is not as far-fetched as we might think. From digital twins to virtual battlegrounds and hyper immersive game environments, reality is not what it seems. Watch this presentation by��Jason Pittman, collegiate faculty in the UMGC School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, to find out more.

The U.S. cyber sector is broad and diverse and faces challenges in holistically leveraging its numerous cyber stakeholders, including the Federal Government, intelligence community, and the public and private sectors. In this presentation,��Brian Powers, UMGC program director for homeland security, intelligence, and emergency management, discusses these cyber stakeholders and their roles, missions, and capabilities that defend and protect the U.S. cyber domain against its adversaries.

Watch this in-depth session on impactful cybersecurity leadership, presented by��Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, PhD (U.S. Army, Ret.).��Having previously served as the��Adjutant General of Maryland,��Singh has more than 30 years of experience in leadership, consulting, and systems integration experience. In this presentation, Singh focuses on career growth and how to stoke your passion for making an impact through your actions, while highlighting the trajectory of a senior executive.

As a National Security Agency analyst,��Laura Corcoran��participated in a year-long fellowship with the Maryland Office of Attorney General to provide cybersecurity policy recommendations for the electric distribution system in Maryland. In this webinar, Corcoran introduces the entities involved in the fellowship, addresses cybersecurity issues related to the Maryland electric grid, and provides reflections about her fellowship experience.

UMGC has embarked on a pilot effort to explore utilizing immersive technologies such as virtual reality to deliver educational experiences. As is always the case, adding new technologies brings along with it the possibility of additional cybersecurity challenges. In this presentation,��Daniel Mintz, UMGC department chair for information technology within the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, provides an overview of the pilot effort and initial thoughts about cybersecurity implications.

Students in non-STEM courses may learn about staying safe online, but too often they miss out on some of the other fundamentals of cybersecurity that may lead them on the path toward the numerous non-technical career areas in the field, such as policy, compliance, and project management. Even students who don’t identify as “technical” should be able to see themselves in cyber. The upcoming 2023 University of Maryland Global Campus GenCyber Interdisciplinary Teacher programs will focus on training non-technical high school teachers how to infuse cybersecurity concepts into their existing courses, exposing more students to cybersecurity awareness, fundamentals, concepts, and ethics. The target high school courses are English, Social Studies, History, Math, Foreign Language, Health and PE, Library Science, History, Music, and Fine Arts.