Events – AIS Home | Assured Information Security https://www.ainfosec.com Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:37:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.ainfosec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cropped-ais-icon-1-32x32.png Events – AIS Home | Assured Information Security https://www.ainfosec.com 32 32 From Participant to Professional: How the CNY Hackathon Shaped My Cybersecurity Journey https://www.ainfosec.com/from-participant-to-professional-how-the-cny-hackathon-shaped-my-cybersecurity-journey?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=from-participant-to-professional-how-the-cny-hackathon-shaped-my-cybersecurity-journey Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:32:31 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=20570 ...]]>
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By Joshua, Software Engineer I
Two-minute read

The CNY Hackathon is an annual, beginner-friendly event hosted at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) for cybersecurity and computer science students.

This event introduces students to diverse challenges designed by industry professionals through Capture the Flag (CTF). Simultaneously, participants must patch and defend a network of services from the notoriously beginner-friendly adversarial red team.

Each college’s students are split into mixed teams, requiring them to collaborate with individuals they’ve never met before. This setup mirrors the real-world experiences of entry-level employees starting their first jobs: working with strangers, encountering new challenges, adapting quickly and meeting demanding deadlines.

That was me three years ago. I participated as a student representing SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Network and Computer Security (NCS) club. I knew little about configuring networks, defending them from adversaries or maintaining services for end-users (even simulated ones). What I did bring was patience—patience to work with a new and diverse group of individuals, patience to stay calm under the pressure of the competition’s countdown timer and patience to believe in my own potential.

My team placed fifth out of six. Yet, it didn’t feel like a loss. The competition has a unique way of ensuring even those who don’t “win” leave feeling accomplished. I walked away excited about what I had learned and determined to improve for the next time.

“My team placed fifth out of six. Yet, it didn’t feel like a loss.”

Each team also votes to recognize their “Most Improved” teammate—a prestigious award that takes precedence over “Most Valuable Teammate.” This acknowledgment recognizes that the desire for growth outweighs raw talent and encourages students to keep improving their skills. My team voted me their MVT, which was a significant honor at the time. That designation confirmed what I hoped to be true: that by giving my best, I was capable of a career in this field.

I can confidently say that this event propelled my career forward. The Hackathon taught me that any career goal is achievable with a relentless attitude toward learning and collaboration. Inspired by the experience, I devoted more time to my college’s NCS club, developed my skills and secured an internship with one of the event’s sponsors: Assured Information Security (AIS).

Over time, I had the chance to give back to the event that started it all. I’ve supported the CNY Hackathon as a member of the infrastructure “black team,” as a guest speaker and most recently, as a sponsorship representative of AIS.

This year’s Hackathon was particularly special. For the first time in recent history, the event featured a career lunch with its sponsors—a full-circle moment for me. Returning to the same event that launched my career, I was able to help students in the same way the Hackathon helped me.

The CNY Hackathon is a fully volunteer-operated event, relying on sponsorships from local companies to fund its infrastructure, shirts, food and badges. AIS, one of its long-time sponsors, helps ensure this impactful experience continues.

These sponsors also have the unique opportunity to scout local talent, while students showcase their skills in front of potential employers. Beyond technical growth, participants gain real-world experience and build connections that can enhance their résumés and open career doors.

If you’re seeking a chance to learn, demonstrate your skills and compete in an environment designed for beginners, this is it. Join the hundreds of students who have benefited from this incredible event!

Special thanks to AIS for its continued support of the CNY Hackathon. It had such a profound impact on the start of my career!

AIS is a proud sponsor of this event. Learn more about our community impact:

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AIS at Naval Surface Technology and Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) https://www.ainfosec.com/ais-at-naval-surface-technology-and-innovation-consortium-nstic?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-at-naval-surface-technology-and-innovation-consortium-nstic Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:58:16 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=20422 ...]]>
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Author: Travis Akers, Business Development Director
Two-minute read

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of representing Assured Information Security (AIS) at a three-day Naval Surface Technology and Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) collaboration event in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

All three days were packed with opportunities to engage with Naval Surface Warfare leaders, subject matter experts, program managers, technical directors and industry partners. The event included a full day tour of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) with stops in the Human Systems Integration Lab, Hypersonic Integration and Test Facility, Vertical Launching System Lab and an LCS/Future Modular Capability demonstration. During the tours, we had the rare opportunity to speak directly with government researchers and engineers to better understand the challenges being faced within the Navy’s surface fleet and integrating rapidly evolving technologies and capabilities to maintain the competitive edge against adversaries in the maritime domain.

The highlight of the event was being one of 10 companies to present, allowing me to share the AIS story with more than 200 attendees, including an audience with senior Naval flag officers, large and small defense industry businesses and warfighters: the end users of our products and services contributing to the national security apparatus. Participants heard from numerous program managers who provided an overview of NSWCDD and the command’s technical approach. The published pre-event statement of needs provided industry partners an opportunity to explore new business with the U.S. Navy, where I was able to meet with government representatives and discuss the advanced research and development capabilities of AIS and how our teams of technical experts, engineers and scientists can meet the 21st century challenges facing the Navy. NSTIC 2024 contained a few light moments as well, with multiple networking events held throughout the three days and a social hour mixer with industry partners to establish new relationships and identify potential leads for new business opportunities in the coming months and years.

Attending the NSTIC collaboration event was a great experience and demonstration of how vital public-private partnerships are in national security. AIS continues moving forward in establishing a strong presence in the U.S. Navy and becoming the small business of choice for cyber operations, mission solutions and advanced research and development.

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UAS Hack – A Resounding Success in Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity and UAS Technology https://www.ainfosec.com/uas-hack-a-resounding-success-in-shaping-the-future-of-cybersecurity-and-uas-technology?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uas-hack-a-resounding-success-in-shaping-the-future-of-cybersecurity-and-uas-technology Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:06:05 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=20273 ...]]>
The UAS Hack, a hands-on event dedicated to exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and drone technology was held from August 19 to 23, 2024, at the ORION NTROPEE hangar and concluded with resounding success.

This weeklong challenge brought together 15 talented university-aged participants to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges in the realm of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and provided a unique platform for these emerging tech enthusiasts to learn, demonstrate their skills and push the boundaries of innovation.

Assured Information Security (AIS) subject matter experts providing instruction and curriculum for the event. Topics explored included the legalities of UAS and cyber, cybersecurity basics, drone 101 & 201, wireless communications and much more. UAS Hack was sponsored and driven by the Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks (ORION) ecosystem, which is spearheaded by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL).

“UAS Hack has truly exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Thayer, Chief Engineer at AIS and UAS Hack instructor. “The 15 students demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and technical expertise, tackling complex UAS cybersecurity challenges head-on. Their ability to produce innovative solutions showcases the promising future of our industry. We are already looking forward to planning next year’s challenge.”

The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the practical application of cybersecurity principles within the rapidly evolving UAS landscape. By leveraging ORION’s hangar space and New York’s 50-mile UAS corridor as well as expert mentors and instructors, UAS Hack offered participants a collaborative and challenging environment to learn, innovate and develop crucial technical skills.

“UAS Hack was an incredible learning opportunity,” said Zack Kornreich, UAS Hack participant and current master’s student at Binghamton University. “The hands-on experience with UAS cybersecurity gave me practical skills that will undoubtedly add value to my career. The event pushed me to think critically and creatively, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in my future endeavors.”

The success of UAS Hack underscores the commitment of ORION and its partners to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. By providing a platform that bridges industry, academia and government, the event not only enhanced participants’ cybersecurity proficiency but also fostered an innovative mindset essential for driving future advancements in UAS technology.

As the industry continues to evolve, events like UAS Hack play a critical role in ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to meet the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. The collaborative efforts between the 15 students, industry experts and sponsors have laid the groundwork for continued innovation and progress in the field of UAS cybersecurity.

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AIS at SVIP Demo Week https://www.ainfosec.com/ais-at-svip-demo-week?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-at-svip-demo-week Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:23:24 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=20059 ...]]>
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Author: Tiffany, Reverse Engineer III
Two-minute read

On May 21 and 22, I attended the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) Demo Week in Alexandria, VA.

I, along with my colleague Brandon, represented AIS at this annual showcase of nearly 40 SVIP-funded startup companies and their innovative technologies addressing DHS missions. AIS’s role is to support various SVIP portfolio companies in creating robust products and demonstrating the products’ efficacy in meeting DHS and/or broader customer needs.

Topics for which portfolio companies presented demos of their products included:

  • Sensor Technologies (deployable tracking buoys for USCG)
  • HealthTech
  • Computer Vision
  • Data Analytics
  • Language Translation
  • Cybersecurity Startups
  • Digital Credentials
  • Digital Wallets

The conference included more than 260 attendees from startups, large and small businesses, government agencies, VCs and academic institutions who were able to experience and participate in technology demonstrations and meet the founders in the Startup Tech Expo. Participants also heard from two special DHS keynote speakers, industry leaders, tech investors, DHS operational agencies and SVIP partners whose innovative solutions are supporting DHS missions.

Video recordings of the demos presented at the conference

Attending SVIP Demo Week was an incredible experience. It was inspiring to see cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that are enhancing national security. The collaboration between the DHS and the tech community is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving technological advancements. As an engineer, witnessing firsthand the practical applications of these innovations has been both motivating and enlightening, reaffirming my belief in the vital role that technology plays in safeguarding our future. Our team at AIS is proud to support these outstanding startups and their contributions to DHS missions.

Learn more about AIS capabilities:

https://www.ainfosec.com/capabilities/cyber-operations/

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UAS Hack 2024 – Registration Open https://www.ainfosec.com/uas-hack-2024?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uas-hack-2024 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:08:08 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=19502 ...]]>
The first ever UAS Hack, a hands-on event dedicated to exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and drone technology, will take place from August 19 to 23, 2024, in Rome, New York.

Over the course of five days, university-aged students and industry experts will revolutionize the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) landscape by fostering collaboration, creativity and critical thinking while addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges. AIS subject matter experts will be providing instruction and curriculum for this event.

Taking place at the ORION at NTROPEE facility, UAS Hack is set against the backdrop of New York’s 50-mile UAS corridor. This provides an ideal environment for a practical, real-world learning experience for students to develop crucial technical and problem-solving abilities. Participants will engage in hands-on challenges where they identify vulnerabilities in drone systems and develop effective countermeasures against potential cyber-attacks.

“UAS Hack is designed to put students in front of industry professionals and industry-relevant platforms to give them an opportunity to grow their skills and learn more about what a security-related career would be like,” said Eric Thayer, Chief Engineer at AIS. “During the event, students will be mentored and trained on how to evaluate the security of UAS, identify potential threats and provide feedback to vendors and manufacturers.”

Registration is now open for the event!

If you’re interested in participating or being a sponsor, please visit uashack.org. Participants should be nominated by a professor and enrolled in a computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer security or UAS design/maintenance college program.

UAS Hack is sponsored and driven by the Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks (ORION) ecosystem, which is spearheaded by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, AIS, Quanterion Solutions Incorporated, Griffiss Institute, NYSTEC and Cisco. ORION offers comprehensive cyber assurance, customized testing and seamless integration solutions for IoT ventures. To learn more, visit orionassured.com.

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Reflecting on an Empowering Experience: 2024 Women & STEAM Symposium https://www.ainfosec.com/reflecting-on-an-empowering-experience-2024-women-steam-symposium?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reflecting-on-an-empowering-experience-2024-women-steam-symposium Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:58:59 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=19443 ...]]>
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By Maureen, Software Engineer II
Two-minute read

Yesterday I attended the Project Fibonacci Women & STEAM Symposium, and it was an incredible event filled with inspiration and empowerment.

The symposium coincided perfectly with International Women’s Day, embodying the spirit of the occasion by showcasing the remarkable achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). From the interactive panel featuring ten local, esteemed women discussing their experiences, to the networking sessions and career fair, the event served as a powerful platform for women’s empowerment in STEAM. Participants had the opportunity to not only celebrate the contributions of women in these fields, but also to engage in meaningful discussions and take actionable steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

It was also a day to inspire the next generation of trailblazers, with more than 125 female students in attendance. As a sponsor of the event, we were able to present a scholarship for a local student to be able to attend the 6th Annual STEAM Leadership Conference this August.

As I reflect on my experience at the symposium, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way in my career. It was an honor to represent AIS and share my journey as a woman in STEAM with the attendees, encouraging them to pursue their passions fearlessly.

AIS is a proud sponsor of this event. Learn more about our community impact:

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AIS CEO to Participate in Artificial Intelligence Roundtable https://www.ainfosec.com/ais-ceo-to-participate-in-artificial-intelligence-roundtable?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-participates-in-artificial-intelligence-roundtable Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:59:39 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=19322 ...]]>

Update: Due to the weather forecast, the roundtable discussion has been postponed. A new date is TBD.

AIS is proud to announce its CEO, Charles Green, will be participating in an upcoming roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence (AI). The free event, hosted by New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., will take place on February 28 from 6:30pm to 8pm at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Rome Campus.

The roundtable will bring together elected officials, industry experts and thought leaders to explore the benefits and challenges associated with AI technology.

Green will contribute valuable insights on the topic among distinguished panelists including Anthony Martino, Director of the Northeast Cybersecurity and Forensics Center at Utica University; Dr. Andy Drozd, President, CEO and Chief Scientist of ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC; and Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties.

“The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more common,” said Sen. Joseph Griffo. “Given its widespread emergence, many people have questions and/or concerns and want to learn more about this technology.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. highlighted the importance of addressing both the potential benefits and risks associated with AI.

“AI has the potential to significantly improve many areas of our lives,” said Picente. “But we must tread carefully as we explore its capabilities and the negative aspects that could arise.”

AIS is committed to fostering informed discussions and driving advancements in technologies that benefit society as a whole.
Learn more: www.ainfosec.com/about
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Celebrating Dedication: Annual AIS Holiday Party https://www.ainfosec.com/celebrating-dedication-annual-ais-holiday-party?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-dedication-annual-ais-holiday-party Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:18:55 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=19042 ...]]>

By Scott Robidoux,
Chief Operating Officer
One minute read

At AIS, every day is dedicated to ensuring the security of our nation. However, we recognize the importance of spending time together and celebrating our achievements. Our annual holiday party is a well-deserved opportunity to express gratitude for our employees’ unwavering commitment.

This year, we held our headquarters event at The Gig at Turning Stone Resort & Casino. Employees and guests traveled in from as far as Nebraska and enjoyed outstanding hors d’oeuvres and dinner, endless drink options and plenty of sweets. We also treated them to live entertainment and a raffle for 24 different amazing giveaways including gift cards, a Yeti cooler, a VR headset, an Airbnb stay and an all-expenses paid night in the AIS Suite at a Utica Comets game.

As colleagues gathered on the dance floor, the party became a microcosm of the teamwork and camaraderie that defines AIS. Celebrating success and unwinding together is something we truly value here and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

With our employees spread across the United States, we know traveling in can be difficult so staff in the Maryland area enjoyed a happy hour, dinner and time together on Martin Luther King Day. Remote employees who weren’t able to travel in to either gathering were sent a little something to remind them that their presence was missed.

Our annual holiday party is more than a celebration; it’s a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference for our customers. It recognizes that taking a moment to revel in success is an essential part of maintaining a resilient and motivated team, ready to face the challenges that come with safeguarding our nation’s security.

Until next year!

If you’d like to learn more about our company culture, click here.
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AIS at ISC2 Security Congress https://www.ainfosec.com/ais-at-isc2-security-congress?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-at-isc2-security-congress Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:36:57 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=18658 ...]]>
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Author: John, ISSM at AIS
Five-minute read

I recently attended the 2023 ISC2 Security Congress in Nashville, Tennessee, and was surrounded by 4,000+ professionals in the cybersecurity industry. This four-day conference focused on the latest trends, threats and emerging technologies in the field. I learned of this conference back in the spring after having passed my CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam in December 2022 and becoming an endorsed member of ISC2 in January this year.

The Conference Experience

The conference featured nearly 150 speakers across 135 different sessions with representation from 75 countries. Each day, members were allowed to pick and choose which presentations they would attend. During breakout sessions, we would visit the Exposition Hall to network with peers and talk with industry vendors. The conference took place at the absolutely stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center which ranks as the largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world and has over 3.3 million square feet of space.

The In-Depth Presentations

I attended more than 15 presentations and keynotes over the course of the conference. Some of my favorite discussions were included in the following:

  • Legal Perspectives on the NIST AI Risk Management Framework
  • Generative AI: Your New Secret Weapon or Insider Threat?
  • Learning from History: What Past Cyber Attacks Taught Us
  • ISC2 on Point with Careers: How to Lead High-Performance Security Teams

We had five distinguished keynote speakers that included Andy Greenburg, senior writer for WIRED and author of Tracers in the Dark Web; Dr. Nita Farahany, distinguished professor, scholar and author of The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology; Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, former Director of AI Ethics; Jenny Radcliffe, ‘The People Hacker’ and Dr. Richard Harris, Australian anesthesiologist and cave diver who played a crucial role in the 2018 Thailand cave rescue of the boy’s soccer team.

Noteworthy Take-Aways

We learned about a hacker group called “Scattered Spiders” that is on the forefront of the social engineering of helpdesks. Their most recent attack took down MGM Resorts and did $100 million in damages last month. The attacker will make a phone call and give the name of an employee that is linked to the organization and request a change in Okta (or similar SSO solution) and/or a change within Active Directory.

I became familiar with a new role that exists in the industry; A Customer Security Evangelist. There were many people I talked to at the conference that either held this position or knew about it. It is an external-facing point-of-contact that is well-versed in the inner-workings of the cybersecurity behind each product that their company sells and can field customer concerns and questions. This ensures all customers know who to ask to get the most accurate details regarding the cybersecurity of a product rather than be told different things by whomever is available at the moment to give their best guess.

FINAL THOUGHTS

My first ISC2 Security Congress shattered expectations. The people and presentations were full of knowledge and opened my eyes to ideas and concepts. It was very intriguing to talk with others in the industry who deal with cybersecurity day in and day out, and to see that we all face very similar challenges in the field. This conference was a great way to be brought back up to speed with the current state of affairs in the cybersecurity realm and hear the latest from the experts. I am obligated to get CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits to maintain my membership with ISC2 and these presentations were a great way to earn some of that credit. I am extremely grateful to AIS for the opportunity to attend this and I look forward to helping drive our mission forward in a safe and secure cyber world.

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AIS at DEF CON: Where Cutting-Edge Tech Meets Cybersecurity Coolness https://www.ainfosec.com/ais-at-defcon?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-at-def-con-where-cutting-edge-tech-meets-cybersecurity-coolness Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:48:23 +0000 https://www.ainfosec.com/?p=17950 ...]]>

AIS will be attending DEF CON on August 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. DEF CON is the world’s largest and most legendary hacker conference and has been the epicenter of cybersecurity expertise and innovation for more than three decades.

Every year, DEF CON gathers a vibrant community of hackers, cybersecurity experts, researchers and tech enthusiasts. Founded in 1993, the conference has grown exponentially, attracting thousands of attendees from around the globe. Its allure lies in a unique blend of cutting-edge technical talks, hands-on workshops, capture-the-flag competitions and awe-inspiring demonstrations, all contributing to a shared mission of enhancing digital security.

This year, Aaron, Reverse Engineer II at AIS, is attending DEF CON for the first time.

“I love working on new technologies and systems here at AIS, so being able to immerse myself in the world’s most known hacker convention is something I’ve always wanted to do. I can’t wait to be a part of all the talks and stories that get presented and see some of the same tools in action that we at AIS have helped shape under the DARPA AMP program. I’m very excited to be attending my first DEFCON event!”

Attending DEF CON offers the ideal platform for AIS to showcase its technological prowess, build lasting relationships, shape the cybersecurity ecosystem of the future and contribute to the ongoing battle for a secure digital world.

Learn more: https://defcon.org/

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