Education
Virginia Tech
May 2024
B.S. in Business Information Technology
Concentration: Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
VerifyProgram Overview
The Cybersecurity Management and Analytics program at Virginia Tech is part of the Business Information Technology (BIT) department within the Pamplin College of Business. This program emphasizes the application of business analytics and cybersecurity management strategies to protect business systems and data. Students develop expertise in areas such as cyber risk management, data privacy, and policy compliance. The program provides practical experience in addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges. Graduates of this program are prepared to secure IT systems and use data-driven methods to safeguard business assets and customer information.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation
- Business data analytics for cyber defense
- Incident response and cyber policy compliance
Favorite Courses
Penetration Testing/Ethical Hacking
Dr. Anthony Vance
Course Description
This class focused on building competence in penetration testing for business. This course taught principles of ethical hacking, such as system reconnaissance, enumeration, vulnerability scanning, and exploitation. I learned how to find and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications, operating systems, wireless networks, as well as perform social engineering and physical security assessments. I also learned to write reports for managerial audiences.
Skills and Techniques Learned
Threat Modeling
Risk assessments
Passive and Active Reconnaissance
Exploitation and Post-Exploitation
Password Cracking
Social Engineering
SQL Injection
Cross-Site Scripting
Wireless Security
Technical Report Writing
Labs and In-class Activities
Tools: THC Hydra and Hashcat
Tools: NMAP and Nessus
Tools: MSFVenom and SET (Social Engineering Toolkit)
Tools: Amass
Tools: Google
SQLMap
Why I liked this course
Dr. Anthony Vance did a great job at providing hands-on learning in an environment that promoted curiosity and pushing limits. Myself and the other students were given the opportunity to watch live pentesting techniques and then immediately apply that knowledge in interactive lab settings. We covered everything from initial reconnaissance, to exploitation, to writing a technical report tailored for readability to non-technical audiences. In addition to the invaluable education, Dr. Vance fostered a classroom which made a fun subject actually fun to learn about every day.