College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Cyber Defense Center works to stay up to date on the latest education for students to help them become cybersecurity experts of tomorrow. To learn more about cybersecurity trainings, opportunities, and to create connections around the Gem State, representatives from the Center took part in the Idaho Office of Emergency Management’s (IOEM) annual Cybersecurity Summit Thursday, Oct. 13.
This year's Cybersecurity Summit was held in conjunction with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management's Annual Preparedness Conference in Boise Oct. 11 – 12. This three-day conference focused on emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, mitigation activities, cybersecurity, and more.
In attendance from the College was Cyber Defense Center Director, Sara Hoyt, and Advisory Board member, Sam Evans. Evans is the Deputy Chief Security Officer (CSO) for Micron Technology and was also one of the speakers at the conference, along with several other well-known industry recognized organizations, such as IOEM’s Director, Brad Richy, Idaho Legislative Representative, Brooke Green, Idaho National Laboratory Cybercore Program Manager, Eleanor Taylor, and more.
“This was the first time they had this event in person since 2019, and there was a big turnout with about 200 people in attendance,” Hoyt said. “It was so exciting to be able to participate in something like this, and hopefully see it grow over time. It was interesting to hear all the different topics and speakers, as well as hear what employers are looking for in their future cybersecurity workforce.”
The Conference is an education, outreach, and training event for emergency management professionals, including Emergency Managers, County Commissioners, and Tribal Council Members as well as cyber professionals from state and local government or the private sector.
“It is great Sara was able to participate in the Summit and help spread the word about CWI’s Cyber Defense Center around the Treasure Valley,” said Dean Computer Science and Information Technology, Dr. Miguel Olivares. “She is able to network with those companies, and organizations we want to work with, and bring back new knowledge for our cybersecurity courses.”
Hoyt has high hopes the team at the Center will be able to play a bigger role in next year’s Summit, such as take part in it’s Workforce Development Panel, and reach an even bigger audience.
CWI’s Cyber Defense Center offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense.
For those in need of more information on the Center or has questions, contact cyberdefense@cwi.edu or visit the Cybersecurity program page.
