Central ND News

The University of Mary will host the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Region 8 Cybersecurity Training for Industrial Control Systems. The event is scheduled from March 4 to March 7, 2025, at Founders Hall in the Lumen Vitae University Center. This training is designed for professionals responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, offering hands-on experience and expertise on defending operational technology and industrial control systems against cyber threats.

Tanya Taplin, assistant professor of cyber defense and program director for cybersecurity at the University of Mary, stated: "The University of Mary is proud to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to host this vital cybersecurity training." She emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure.

This free training targets IT operators, engineers, emergency managers, supervisors, and security personnel managing critical infrastructure assets. Participants must register in advance and cover their travel and meal expenses. They are required to bring laptops with specific software capabilities for participation.

The University of Mary has established itself as a national leader in cybersecurity education through its NSA and DHS-recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The university's Cybersecurity Administration program emphasizes practical experience under faculty with significant industry expertise.

Matt Frohlich, assistant professor of cyber defense at the university, highlighted: “What sets our program apart from other colleges and universities is our practical, hands-on curriculum.” He added that having such training on campus demonstrates the university's commitment to cybersecurity excellence.

Select upperclassmen from the university’s cybersecurity program will join industry professionals during this event to gain practical experience. This aligns with the university’s focus on integrating education with real-world applications.