What cybersecurity opportunities are there for volunteers?
Cyber operations and hacking preferred
2 answers
Lori’s Answer
What a great question, Matthew.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and your interest in volunteering is to be commended. There are many ways to volunteer to help in the Cybersecurity arena.
1) One of the challenges when it comes to Cyber Security is the difficulty of getting people interested in being aware of the need to protect themselves, their families and their communities from the threats out there. The biggest vulnerability we have to our security is the human element, and making sure people are aware of the threats, and more importantly, how to take steps to keep themselves safe online. If you are interested, the National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) has an Awareness Program for sharing the importance of being "Cyber Aware." They have materials that you can download, and take to local schools and organizations to share how to keep yourself, and your community cyber safe. FOSI, Family Online Safety Institute also has materials on their website, as well at: https://www.fosi.org
2) If you are interested in getting hands on, practical experience and volunteering for good, you can work with a local not-for-profit in your community. Many churches, places of worship, food banks and other local organizations generally don't have the means, knowledge or resources to do cyber security reviews or even know how to realize if they have the right protections on their systems. Reaching out locally - you could make a big difference out there.
3) If what you really want to do is to be a White Hat, meaning a "hacker for good" - there are opportunities for that, too. Those can sometimes be found at IT and cyber security conferences.
4) Still looking for ideas? Here are some other ideas that might help you get connected to the right organizations that might be looking for your skills set.
- Join LinkedIn groups, professional networks and security organizations
- Attend local security group meetings and events in your community
- Look for groups that are having "Catch the Flag" and Wargames programs
- Collaborate with a team (at work or in school) on a cyber security project
Hope that helps!
Monique’s Answer
Your question was a home run, GREAT!!! question and I'm going to tell you my best advice to you? Contact your local Election board and see what opportunities their are with Ballot box/Voter Security.
You play an essential role, people are trusting that their ballots are being counted and they're secured. Your participation in making sure the ballot boxes are LOCKED down, how the voting machines are being manually updated. Where these devices are being housed. These are all is an important tasks and looks GREAT!!!! on your resume, plus you doing your civic duty.
Lets not forget the network opportunities as well. :):)
I hope this helps and good luck in All your future endeavors.
Cheers,
Monique Clarke