Secure Your Hotel Room for the NSF Cybersecurity Summit Before September 19

 

Time is running out to book your hotel room for this year's NSF Cybersecurity Summit in Boulder, CO!

The deadline to reserve your room at the discounted group rate is September 19th, and availability is limited.

Reserve your hotel room

This annual Summit brings together cybersecurity practitioners, technical leaders, and risk managers from the NSF Major Facilities and Cyberinfrastructure community. Attendees will also include key stakeholders and thought leaders from across the scientific and cybersecurity landscapes.

There is still time to register for this year's Summit—the deadline is October 6. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us.

Register for this year's Summit

We hope to see you in Boulder!

Summit Organizing and Program Committee

Now Open - 2025 NSF Cybersecurity Summit Call for Participation

 

It is our pleasure to announce that the 2025 NSF Cybersecurity Summit (Oct 20-23, Boulder) Call for Participation is now open! The Summit Program Committee seeks proposals for:

• Plenary presentations and Panel talks
• Workshops and Trainings
• Birds of a Feather (BoFs) and Project meetings
• Poster session
• TLP:RED talks 

We welcome your proposals relevant to a broad range of topics related to the operational cybersecurity of NSF cyberinfrastructure and programs.  However, we encourage proposals that address topics highly ranked by the NSF CI Community. These include: 

• HPC security
• AI in cybersecurity:  Practical use in operational security and/or  balancing automation and oversight
• Network security and defense
• Regulatory compliance
• Staying on top of emerging threats (how-to guide)
• Pros and cons of federal, academic, and private research funding
• Digital forensics and incident response (case studies)
• Zero-trust architecture implementation
• Security of research IOT
• Adjusting your cybersecurity program during cuts

More detail and guidance on submitting proposals can be found here:
https://www.trustedci.org/2025-cfp

The deadline for plenary, workshop, training, BoF, and project meeting submissions is Monday June 30th. 

Poster session submissions are due September 5th. TLP: RED submissions are due October 10th. 

Thank you on behalf of the Program and Organizing Committees. We look forward to receiving your proposals and hope to see you in October in Boulder!

2025 NSF Cybersecurity Summit Topics and Travel Plans

Help shape the Summit program by selecting the content you want to learn more about. You can suggest new topics in the comment field. We also want to hear more about your travel plans this year.

Thank you for your time!

https://forms.gle/1aavqtYvvLRuLJCo7
This form will close on Tuesday, May 27th at 5pm Eastern.

To learn more about the Summit, go to: https://trustedci.org/summit 

Trusted CI: Relaunching and Expanding the Student Program

As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance across the scientific community, the need to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders is more critical than ever. Trusted CI is proud to announce the relaunch and expansion of its Student Program, designed to provide students with very useful insights, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in cybersecurity while fostering a cybersecurity workforce for all. Applications for the 2025 cohort open on February 3, 2025.

Why the Student Program Matters

For over a decade, Trusted CI has significantly impacted the NSF community by equipping researchers and institutions with comprehensive cybersecurity knowledge and resources. Our analysis revealed opportunities to extend this impact by engaging students from a wider range of academic fields, such as those in the NSF Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Biological Sciences (BIO) Directorates, as well as reaching out to new institutions not currently engaged in cybersecurity programs. The Student Program aims to ensure that perspectives from across all disciplines and institutions contribute to shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Alumni Insights: Mentorship and Impactful Experiences in Cybersecurity

On the Mentor Program

Sandra Darkson - University of New Haven, MS in Cybersecurity and Networks
“My mentor (Carolyn Ellis) is really one of a kind; she is among those few individuals who sees the potential in me and, at the same time, believes so much in me that this belief drives me to work harder, and strive for excellence. I am so fortunate enough to have her as my guide and mentor on my path.”

On the Poster Session

Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit was a big, unforgettable platform for me as a Cybercorp  Scholar, where I presented my poster, "Defending Electoral Integrity in the Age of Cyber Warfare,"  which gave me the chance to share my research on how digital disinformation, botnets, and deepfakes are impacting elections.”

On Networking

Konstantin Metz - University of Central Florida, MS Cybersecurity and Privacy
“The event is unlike any other in the industry! It brings together industry professionals, faculty, and students from across the globe to learn, network, and collaborate on current and emerging cybersecurity issues. It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow while showcasing some of their own work. I am honored to have been selected to present and cannot wait for next year!”

Abigail Whittle - Oregon State University, BS in Computer Science
“I had the opportunity to meet some incredibly interesting individuals. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to other students in the future, as it was beneficial both professionally and educationally, and I took away a lot from it.”

On Capture the Flag

Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“The CTF session provided a hands-on experience that challenged my problem-solving skills. It was refreshing to participate in a group project, as collaboration helped me gain new insights that I wouldn’t have achieved working solo.”

On Summit Courses

Owen Seltzer - Northeastern University, MS Cybersecurity
“The talks and panel discussions were not only engaging but also thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from emerging threats to innovative protection strategies. As someone still exploring career paths in cybersecurity, I found the presentations particularly enlightening.”

Goals of the Program

The Trusted CI Student Program is committed to:

• Providing Foundational Knowledge: Selected students will gain practical insights into cybersecurity through workshops, mentorship, and participation in the annual NSF Cybersecurity Summit.
• Fostering Community: By actively recruiting students from a wide range of backgrounds, the program aims to create a supportive environment that values a variety of perspectives.
• Empowering Advocacy: Students will serve as cybersecurity ambassadors in their communities, equipping their peers with knowledge and connecting them with Trusted CI for more complex challenges.
• Building Long-Term Connections: Participants will join a growing network of Trusted CI alumni, opening doors to mentorship, networking, and career opportunities in the cybersecurity field.

What’s New in the Trusted CI Student Program for 2025?

The Trusted CI Student Program continues to evolve, and we are excited to share the enhancements coming in 2025! Designed to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity researchers, this program has been refined based on past participant feedback and our commitment to providing a more impactful experience. These changes reflect our goal to improve the program from what it has been and make it more valuable for the entire Trusted CI community, not just prospective students.

Larger Cohorts Over Time
While the program currently welcomes five students annually, our goal is to expand participation to 15 students in future cycles as resources allow. This growth ensures more students benefit from Trusted CI’s expertise.

Alumni Engagement
We recognize the value of long-term connections, which is why past participants will now retain access to valuable program resources and opportunities to attend the Trusted CI Summit. This fosters an ongoing learning community and professional network.

Focused Workshops and Mentorship
Students will gain deeper insights through tailored workshops and dedicated one-on-one mentorship sessions. These sessions will be led by Trusted CI staff and esteemed industry experts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Streamlined Application Process
To provide a holistic evaluation of applicants, the revised application process will require a personal statement, a professional biosketch, and letters of support. This approach ensures we select students who are not only qualified but also deeply passionate about cybersecurity.

These enhancements are part of our commitment to continually improving the program, ensuring that both new and returning members of the Trusted CI community benefit from its evolution. We look forward to welcoming the 2025 cohort and continuing to build a thriving community of cybersecurity professionals!

What Students Can Expect

The Trusted CI Student Program will run from May to November 2025, featuring webinars and workshops twice a month to foster growth and prepare students for careers in cybersecurity.

From their first day in the program, Students will:

• Attend workshops on cybersecurity fundamentals, career development, and emerging trends.

• Network with top professionals and researchers at the NSF Cybersecurity Summit, an annual conference dedicated to advancing cybersecurity in research and education. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from experts, engage in discussions on emerging cybersecurity challenges, and build valuable connections within the field.

• Work closely with mentors who will guide their growth and help them navigate the cybersecurity landscape.

• Share their experiences through blog posts, presentations, and outreach activities, inspiring others to explore careers in cybersecurity.

Join a Community of Innovators: Apply for the Trusted CI Student Program

The Trusted CI Student  Program is not just about equipping students with technical skills; it’s about creating a community that values collaboration, and innovation. If you are a student passionate about cybersecurity or know someone who is, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping a safer, more secure future for science and beyond.

Applications for the 2025 cohort open on February 3, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit Trusted CI’s website or reach out to students@trustedci.org. Let’s build a stronger cybersecurity community together!

Students Praise the Summit for Networking, Collaboration, and Professional Development

Trusted CI welcomed 18 students to the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit, nine more than attended in 2023. They enjoyed four days of hands-on training, talks, panels, networking, and mentoring.

Here’s what students had to say about their experiences at the Summit with networking, capture the flag, poster sessions, and Summit courses.

On Networking

Konstantin Metz - University of Central Florida, MS Cybersecurity and Privacy
“The event is unlike any other in the industry! It brings together industry professionals, faculty, and students from across the globe to learn, network, and collaborate on current and emerging cybersecurity issues. It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow while showcasing some of their own work. I am honored to have been selected to present and cannot wait for next year!”

Abigail Whittle - Oregon State University, BS in Computer Science
“I had the opportunity to meet some incredibly interesting individuals. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to other students in the future, as it was beneficial both professionally and educationally, and I took away a lot from it.”

Istiak Chowdhury - University of Alabama at Birmingham, PhD in Computer Science
“One of the highlights was the social event at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural
History, a memorable gathering that facilitated great networking opportunities in a relaxed setting.”

On Capture the Flag

Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The biggest Summit highlight was the Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, where students worked in teams to solve cybersecurity puzzles by finding vulnerabilities and cracking systems.”

Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“The CTF session provided a hands-on experience that challenged my problem-solving skills. It was refreshing to participate in a group project, as collaboration helped me gain new insights that I wouldn’t have achieved working solo.”

Iwinosa Aideyan - Clemson University, PhD Computer Engineering
“Another part of the summit I thoroughly enjoyed was participating in the CTF challenges. It was informative and exciting as we researched, learned new things, and collaborated with our teammates. It was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of practical cybersecurity concepts while strengthening connections within the team.”

On the Poster Session

Nana Sarfo Dwomoh - Sam Houston State University, MS Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
“The 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit was a big, unforgettable platform for me as a Cybercorp  Scholar, where I presented my poster, "Defending Electoral Integrity in the Age of Cyber Warfare,"  which gave me the chance to share my research on how digital disinformation, botnets, and deepfakes are impacting elections.”

Md Fazle Rabbi - Idaho State University, PhD in Computer Science
“I thoroughly enjoyed presenting my research poster. It was a great opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry and academic experts. Their suggestions will undoubtedly help me refine my work and explore new avenues for future research.”

Riddhi Mahajan - University of Cincinnati, BS Information Technology
“I had the opportunity to present a poster showcasing my summer activities and ongoing projects, which was both exciting and rewarding. It was great to share my journey and hear about others’ experiences as well.”

On Summit Courses

Owen Seltzer - Northeastern University, MS Cybersecurity
“The talks and panel discussions were not only engaging but also thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from emerging threats to innovative protection strategies. As someone still exploring career paths in cybersecurity, I found the presentations particularly enlightening.”

Shameer Rao - Morgan State University, PhD Secure Embedded Systems
“The Summit was filled with engaging talks from top experts, which really broadened my understanding of the challenges we face in securing critical infrastructure. Overall, the Summit was an incredible mix of professional growth, hands-on activities, and connecting with like-minded individuals in the field.”

Dignora Castillo-Soto - Bay Path University, MS in Cyber Security
“What resonated with me most about the Cyberinsurance Challenges and Solutions session was the open and transparent dialogue. Having seasoned CISOs in the room added valuable perspective and fostered an honest conversation about the evolving landscape.”

On the Mentor Program

Sandra Darkson - University of New Haven, MS in Cybersecurity and Networks
“My mentor (Carolyn Ellis) is really one of a kind; she is among those few individuals who sees the potential in me and, at the same time, believes so much in me that this belief drives me to work harder, and strive for excellence. I am so fortunate enough to have her as my guide and mentor on my path.”

What’s Next for the Student Program

Going forward, there are plans to enhance the Trusted CI Student Program. The goal is to deepen engagement with students over a longer period and to bring more underrepresented groups into the cybersecurity workforce.

First, Hawa Naaata, the project lead for the Student Program, will gather feedback from current and past participants to assess program strengths, weaknesses, and areas for enhancement. Next, there will be more efforts to publicize the program.

More workshops and events will be added to impart practical skills and insights about cybersecurity. Also, there will be a sustained effort to facilitate attendance at the Summit, ensuring students gain exposure to industry discussions and professional development.

Finally, students will be encouraged to share insights, lessons learned, and personal success stories within their academic and professional networks.

Registration is open for the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit!

Registration is open for the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit! Please join us at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA from October 7-10. If you are unable to join in person, please register to join virtually instead. Attendees will include cybersecurity practitioners, technical leaders, and risk owners from within the NSF Major Facilities and CI community, as well as key stakeholders and thought leaders from the broader scientific and cybersecurity communities. The Summit provides a forum for National Science Foundation (NSF) funded scientists, researchers, cybersecurity, and cyberinfrastructure (CI) professionals, and stakeholders to develop a community and share best practices. The Summit will offer attendees training sessions and workshops with hands-on learning of security tools, security program development, and compliance for research. 

Please register by September 20. 

Thank you on behalf of the Program and Organizing Committees. We look forward to seeing you there!

Now Open - 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit Call for Participation

It is our pleasure to announce that the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit Call for Participation is now open! The Summit Program Committee seeks proposals for:

• Plenary presentations

• TLP:RED talks

• Workshops

• Trainings

• Birds of a Feather (BoFs)

• Project meetings

• Poster session submissions

Last month, we asked the NSF cyberinfrastructure community which topics the Summit should address. Below are the top 10 results from the community poll. We strongly encourage proposals that address: 

1	Generative AI for Security
2	Security Management for Open Source Software
3	Zero Trust Architecture
4	Security and Privacy issues when using Generative AI
5	Threats Unique to Research in Cyberinfrastructure
6	Supercomputing/HPC Specific Security Challenges
7	Regulated Research Security, Privacy and Compliance (HIPAA, CMMC, FAR, etc)
8	Cloud Security
9	Network Security and Defense
10	Specialized HPC for Compliance (HIPAA, CUI, DBGap)

More detail and guidance on submitting proposals can be found here: https://www.trustedci.org/2024-cfp

The Summit provides a forum for National Science Foundation (NSF) funded scientists, researchers, cybersecurity, and cyberinfrastructure (CI) professionals and stakeholders to develop community and share best practices. The Summit will offer attendees training sessions and workshops with hands-on learning of security tools, security program development and compliance for research. 

The deadline for proposal submissions is Jun 23, 2024

Thank you on behalf of the Program and Organizing Committees. We look forward to receiving your proposals and hope to see you in October in Pittsburgh!

2023 Summit Report Available, Save the Date for 2024 Summit

The report of the 2023 NSF Cybersecurity Summit for Large Facilities and Cyberinfrastructure is now available on Zenodo for your review.

Mark your calendar for the 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit, which will be held for four full days from October 7-10, 2024, at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Like last year, Trusted CI is inviting other groups to schedule full-day training on Monday, October 7, that may interest our community. Tuesday through Thursday will include a mix of plenary and shorter training sessions and workshops. If your organization is interested in providing a full-day training session on October 7, please contact the Summit organizers at summit@trustedci.org and include "full-day training" in the subject line.

To stay updated and receive more information about the Summit, please check our website, 2024 NSF Cybersecurity Summit, follow the Trusted CI blog, or subscribe to our announcement email.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at summit@trustedci.org.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the Summit!

Student Program at the 2023 NSF Cybersecurity Summit

In October, we hosted our annual NSF Cybersecurity Summit, which was a hybrid event hosted at Berkeley Lab. Our student program welcomed nine students to attend the in-person training sessions, present posters, network with fellow attendees, and introduce themselves to our community. We also matched students with mentors to help facilitate networking opportunities.

We give special thanks to our mentors: Ishan Abhinit, Jim Basney, Phuong Cao, Eric Cross, Wei Feinstein, Mark Krenz, Jim Marsteller, Sean Peisert, Kelli Shute, and Susan Sons.

We asked the students to share their thoughts on their experiences at the Summit. Below are their responses. These statements have been lightly edited for clarity.

Chad Callegari, University of South Alabama:
My experience at the 2023 Trusted CI Cybersecurity Summit completely exceeded my expectations in the best ways possible. I had never before attended a conference before this event, and as a student it was initially intimidating to be in a new environment with professionals from the field. I quickly learned just how inviting everyone at the event was, and everyone quickly made the environment one that I could feel comfortable in. I was able to learn so many new things from the trainings that were put on, and meet so many great people both other students and professionals. The event allowed me to learn about the different opportunities that I had not ever known about before and I was also able to talk with many of these professionals about potential opportunities for the future. The event was a great success for me and I hope to participate in other Trusted CI events in the future!

Matheu Fletcher, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:
The summit was a great experience as my first real conference. My biggest personal takeaway was the friendliness and helpful nature of the community present. Similarly, the biggest technical aspect I learned from the event was gaining a better understanding of Zeek, along with various development tools I heard discussed that I can make use of to be more efficient in both work and personal projects. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of the ever-changing balance between creating and detecting AI generated texts.

Robert Johnson, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga:
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the NSF Summit cybersecurity conference held at UC Berkeley. Not only were the surroundings gorgeous, but the organizers and attendees were extremely inviting. The more experienced members went out of their way to speak to first-time attendees providing networking opportunities. I believe it is important for students to familiarize themselves with the experience of attending a professional development conference. I enjoyed many of the talks and remained engaged despite the topics being niche and specific to different areas of cybersecurity. I am grateful to be able to speak with people from a variety of institutions, businesses, and countries and exchange knowledge.

Kaneesha Moore, Mississippi State University:
As a rather curious yet reserved individual, I was delighted to have TrustedCI’s 2023 NSF Cybersecurity Summit as my first professional conference. The atmosphere felt welcoming and inviting, and one could feel the passion for cybersecurity in the air – as cliché as it sounds. The workshops were intriguing and encouraged hands-on participation from other attendees which reinforced the topics discussed during the sessions. It is hard to choose a favorite, but I really enjoyed the workshops on artificial intelligence/machine learning and intrusion detection topics – Zeek, deep machine learning intrusion detection for SCADA (and similar) systems, and tutorials on detecting deepfake messages. It felt like an educational getaway with like-minded individuals who wanted to share and gain knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed my time, and I hope to attend next year’s conference!

Ololade Odunsi, University of New Haven:
Attending the 2023 NSF Cybersecurity Summit was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had the opportunity to meet industry professionals who were open to speaking with students and peers about topics they were interested in. From being paired with a mentor, to learning hands-on cybersecurity workshops and listening to seminars - the summit could not have been more value packed. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to present my poster on my background and projects I have worked on to the attendees, who were attentive and supportive.

Henry Schmidt, University of Arkansas:
I had a great experience at the Trusted CI NSF Cybersecurity Summit. It was fantastic to see and talk to the wide array of individuals who came to the conference. There was a considerable variety of seminars, talks, and workshops to attend. I liked in particular the talk on deep learning IDS by Dr. Ismail from Tennessee Tech as well as the security log analysis workshop by Mark Krenz, Ishan Abhinit, and Phuong Cao. It was a pleasure to talk with the other students and professionals from around the world at the conference. Everyone was genuinely interested in the work other people were doing in the cybersecurity space. Thank you to everyone that stopped by my poster to talk with me about the work that CyberHogs is doing with RazorHack Cyber Challenge at the University of Arkansas! I look forward to reaching out to everyone and carrying these connections with me as I move forward in my academic and professional career.

The Student Program has continued to be a very rewarding experience for us. If you are interested in becoming a mentor next year, please contact us at summit@trustedci.org.