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Cybersecurity Events - Columbus State University

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Turner College of Business & Technology

Cybersecurity Events

Upcoming Events

Cybersecurity Nexus Information Session

Date and time: Tuesday, November 19, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Room 125 – Center for Commerce and Technology
CSU Main Campus – 4225 University Ave, Columbus GA
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2695836035?pwd=em9jUTRLSktSWTJKVEUwNkJBQ0E3UT09
Meeting ID: 269 583 6035
Passcode: GoCougars

Cybersecurity Nexus Lab


Past Events

Robert Yager, Deputy CISO of ABM Visit

Date: October 21, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU’s Main Campus
Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm

Robert Yager, Deputy CISO of ABM and a steadfast advocate for the CSU Cybersecurity Nexus program, will be visiting to engage with students. His ongoing support and dedication to mentoring and empowering future cybersecurity professionals have been invaluable to the growth of the program. We are honored to welcome him back and look forward to the insights and encouragement he will provide to our students.

Robert Yager

Kevin Gowen CSU Nexus Visit

Date: Monday, October 18, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU’s Main Campus
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm

We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Gowen, CISO at Synovus and a longtime supporter of our Cybersecurity Nexus program, to campus!

Kevin has been a great friend to our program and students, and we are honored to have him engage with our talented group. He will be touring the facilities, hosting an informative Q&A session with both students and faculty, and even spending time with our students in one-on-one and small group settings to get to know them personally.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insights from one of the leading experts in the industry. We’re looking forward to an inspiring and impactful visit!

Kevin Gowen

U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter visits Nexus Program

Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU’s Main Campus
Time: 10:00 am to 10:30 am

U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter recently visited the TSYS Center for Cyber Security to learn more about the Nexus program and engage with students. During his visit, Congressman Carter gained valuable insight into the facility's capabilities and the program's ongoing accomplishments in the field of cybersecurity.

Dr. Rayfield, Patrick Aiken, Buddy Carter, and Dean Kidder talking with students

Dr. Rayfield, Patrick Aiken, Buddy Carter talking with students

Exciting Industry Engagement: Insights from Chris Knox of Optiv!

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 10:30 am to 11:30 am

We are thrilled to announce that we have the privilege of hosting Chris Knox, a Senior Client Solutions Advisor at Optiv, for an exclusive session! With his extensive expertise in cybersecurity and client solutions, Chris will be sharing his journey and invaluable insights into the industry with our Cybersecurity students.

This is a unique opportunity for our students to gain first-hand knowledge from a seasoned professional who has been at the forefront of addressing complex security challenges for organizations. His experience in crafting innovative solutions and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity will provide students with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Chris Knox
Cyber Security Professional Kate Hunt gives talk to Nexus

Date: Monday, September 16, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 10:30am am to 12:00 pm

We had the privilege of welcoming Kate Hunt, a Columbus State University alum and Optiv Engagement Lead, to our TSYS Cybersecurity Center. She shared her valuable insights on topics ranging from conflict resolution to navigating the interview and hiring process with our Nexus students. It was an enriching experience for everyone involved, providing real-world perspectives on industry challenges and opportunities.

Kate Hunt

Global Payments Information Security Manager Johnathan White Visits CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

We are pleased to announce that Johnathan White, Information Security Manager at Global Payments, will be visiting CSU to engage with our Cybersecurity students. Johnathan will share valuable information, answer questions, and interact with students, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional in the industry.

Johnathan White
Carter Dennard, Information Security Analyst at Global Payments Visits CSU Student

Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 9:30 am to 10:00 am

We are excited to welcome CSU Nexus alumnus and current Information Security Analyst for Global Payments, Carter Dennard, back to the Columbus State Cybersecurity Nexus program. Carter will be sharing his experiences, insights, and success stories from both the program and his career in the field. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a former student who has excelled in the industry!

Carter Dennard
Industry Expert Visit: Cullen Mowery, Encryption Services Key Management Analyst at TSYS

Date: Friday, August 8, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

We were honored to host Cullen Mowery, a leading Encryption Services Key Management Analyst from TSYS, at the Nexus Cybersecurity Program. He shared a wealth of industry knowledge, providing our students with invaluable insights into encryption and key management. This exceptional opportunity allowed students to engage with a true expert, ask questions, and learn directly from one of the best in the field.

Cullen Mowery
Director of Threat Operations Jon Shelley Visits Cybersecurity Nexus

Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Location: Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Jon Shelley, the Director of Threat Operations at Global Payments, along with his team, is visiting the Cybersecurity Nexus Program to talk and provide their insights to our students. Highly skilled in their field, another opportunity to learn from the best.

Jon Shelly
Technology Leader Casey Hergett to visit CSU Students

Date: Friday February 9, 2024
Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Casey Hergett, Senior Director of Enterprise Technologies for Muscogee County School District will be on campus to visit with Cybersecurity Nexus students and other Cybersecurity students. Casey will share his career story and insights with the students and then answer questions. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus.

Casey Hergett
Nigel Miller, Technology Leader and CSU alumnus, visits CSU Students

Date: Friday, January 19, 2024
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Nigel Miller is the Vice President, Deputy Chief Information Officer Security Officer at Maximus. He is also a two-time CSU alumnus. Nigel will share his stellar career journey (so far) and give his advice and guidance to our CSU Cybersecurity students. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus. CSU Cybersecurity students are welcome to participate if available.

Nigel Miller
Executives from Forrester Research visiting CSU’s Cybersecurity Nexus Program

Date: Tuesday, January 30th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Executives from Forrester Research are traveling to Columbus State University to visit the Cybersecurity Nexus Program, interact with students, and discuss the operational model of the program. Joseph Blankenship is the Vice President and Research Director at Forrester Research on the Security and Risk (S&R) team. Jess Burn is the Principal Analyst at Forrester Research serving security and risk professionals. Joseph and Jess are both highly skilled Information Security professionals with years of experience in the field.

Joseph Blankenship
Joseph Blankenship

Jess Burn
Jess Burn

Brandon Sellers of Aflac and Jonathan White of Global Payments visiting CSU Nexus Students

Date: Tuesday November 14, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Brandon Sellers is the Manager of Security Engineering at Aflac and Jonathan White is the Manager of Global Security Operations at Global Payments. Brandon and Jonathan are both highly skilled Information Security professionals with years of experience in the field. They both will be visiting Nexus students. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus. Students are encouraged to participate and be prepared to ask questions.

Brandon Sellers
Brandon Sellers

Jonathan White
Jonathan White

Avery Rozar of TrollEye Security visits CSU Cybersecurity Students

Avery RozarDate: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Avery Rozar is the President/Founder and Chief Hacker at Troll Eye Security. He will be visiting CSU's main campus and sharing his career story with CSU Cybersecurity students. Avery has over 20 years of experience in Information Technology. His expertise has evolved over the years from Design and Installation to Offensive Security and Cyber Security tools development. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus. Students are encouraged to participate and be prepared to ask questions.

Joseph Frantz of Synovus visiting CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date: Friday, September 15, 2023 and Friday, November 3, 2023
Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Joseph Frantz, CSU Alum, is Synovus’s Director of Information Security. He will be visiting CSU's main campus and sharing his career story with CSU Cybersecurity students. Joseph is a highly skilled Information Security professional with 10+ years' experience in the field. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus. Students are encouraged to participate and be prepared to ask questions.

Peter Staarfanger of Global Payments visiting CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023
Time: All DayPeter Staarfanger

Peter Staarfanger is Global Payment’s Director of Digital Forensics and Incident Response. He will be visiting CSU's main campus and sharing his career story with CSU Cybersecurity students. He helps companies with contemporary cyber security challenges affecting their digital footprint. Peter has 15 years of experience in providing expertise in organizing and sorting teams for adversary disruption, attack surface area reduction, and risk management.

Joe Minieri of Home Depot visiting CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date and time: Tuesday, August 1, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: CSU Cybersecurity Center

Joe Minieri is Home Depot’s Director of Cybersecurity. He visited CSU's campus and shared his career story with CSU Cyber Security students. He has been an Information security leader with over 20+ years of experience in the development and execution of cyber security programs, security strategy and policy, security engineering and architecture, risk management, incident detection and response. He has managed teams of 100+ employees/contractors with budgets of $20M+.

Joe Minieri
Joe Minieri
Courtney Buchanan of Aflac visiting CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date and time: Wednesday, July 19, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: CSU Cybersecurity Center

Courtney Buchanan is Aflac's Director and Global Practice Lead of Global Security Governance and Compliance. She will visit CSU's campus and share her career story with CSU Cybersecurity students. Her background includes execution of financial, IT, and operational audits, project management, and Information Security experience. She is skilled at working effectively with all levels of the organization to manage information security governance and risk/compliance initiatives to identify and remediate risk. Her top areas of concentration include ITGCs, SOX testing and review, PCI compliance, identity and access management, SAP Security, federation, and cloud security control reviews.

Courtney Buchanan
Courtney Buchanan
Marie Taylor to Visit CSU Cybersecurity Students

Date and time: Friday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Auditorium – Synovus Center for Commerce and Technology

Marie Taylor of the IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance group at Global Payments is an experienced leader in Enterprise Risk Management and IT Risk Management with a reputation as a proven collaborator and driver of key, game-changing initiatives; outstanding presentation and communication skills. Marie Taylor will visit CSU's campus and share her career story and insights with students.

Marie Taylor
Marie Taylor
FBI's Rich Bilson to visit CSU's Cybersecurity Center

Date and time: Monday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Auditorium – Center for Commerce and Technology

FBI Special Agent Rich Bilson will visit the CSU main campus and interact with our cybersecurity students, sharing his career story and advice.

FBI Logo
Industry Professionals Visit CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center to conduct Mock Interviews

Date and time: Friday, July 28, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Synovus Center for Commerce and Technology

Dozens of industry professionals will visit CSU's campus to conduct “Mock Interviews” for the Cybersecurity Nexus students. The purpose of the mock interview event is to give students real-world practice preparing for and participating in interviews with actual industry professionals who volunteer their time to help. The CSU TSYS School of Computer Science has excellent partnerships with industry professionals in the local and regional areas. Many global, regional, and local companies will be represented at the event.

Alicia Herring, AVP of Corporate Security for Cognizant visits CSU Cybersecurity Students

Alicia HerringDate: Monday, July 17, 2023
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Alicia Herring is a Business Information Security Officer and AVP of Corporate Security for Cognizant, a global consulting firm. Alicia is a highly skilled Information Security professional with 15+ years' experience in the field. Widely recognized for her expertise in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and compliance, Alicia is known for her ability to lead teams and deliver results that significantly enhance organizational security posture. She shared her career story and advice with students.

Karri Webster to present Global Payments' Bug Bounty program

Karri WebsterDate: Friday, July 14, 2023
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Karri Webster, Bug Bounty Program Manager at Global Payments, presented her career story and the GPN Bug Bounty program. Karri has specialties in application design, development and integration.

Synovus CISO Kevin Gowen to visit CSU Cybersecurity students

Kevin GowenDate: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Kevin Gowen, Chief Information Security Officer of Synovus, will visit CSU Cybersecurity students. Kevin's organization has hired several Cybersecurity Nexus graduates and is a big supporter of the program. The event will take place in the Center for Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus. MS, BS, and Nexus Cybersecurity students are welcome to participate if available.

Georgia Tech CIO and CISO to visit TSYS Cybersecurity Center

April 10, 2023

Georgia Tech's Chief Information Officer (CIO), Daren Hubbard, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Leo Howell, are scheduled to visit the TSYS Cybersecurity Center on CSU's Campus on Monday, April 10, 2023. The two technology executives will tour the Center's classrooms, Cyber Range, and Security Operations Center. They will also share their personal career stories with the Cybersecurity Nexus students and give them advice on how to break into the technology industry and advance through a career. Students are encouraged to participate and be prepared to ask questions.

Daren Hubbard
Daren Hubbard

Leo Howell
Leo Howell

WIT Campus Optiv Hackathon

WIT Campus is hosting a hackathon sponsored by Optiv and Arrow Electronics on the Hack-the-Box platform on March 3, 2023 and the CSU chapter of WIT will be participating!

Date and time: Friday, March 3 - 8am – 9:30pm
Location: Room 125 – Center for Commerce and Technology
CSU Main Campus – 4225 University Ave, Columbus GA‬‬‬‬

Global Payments SSCP Bootcamp Spring Semester 2023

Dates: Wednesdays (starting 1/11/2023 for about 12 weeks)
Sessions are fairly stand-alone, so you can miss some sessions and still get great benefit from each session independently.

Time: Noon to 2:00 pm
Location: Room 123 of the TSYS Cybersecurity Center (downstairs in the Center of Commerce and Technology on CSU's main campus)

Global Payments has again graciously invited CSU students, staff, and faculty to participate in their bootcamp they use to train their employees to prepare for and pass the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification exam. The SSCP is a well-recognized industry certification that Global Payments uses to train their security and non-security team members about cybersecurity basics.

Most sessions end with a “Kahoot” challenge to test your knowledge against everyone else in the session. This is a fun part of the session since CSU students get to compete against the other groups within Global Payments. There are usually over 100 people participating from around the world! It is always exciting when our students jump into the lead and even win the weekly competition!!

Please contact one of the Nexus Instructors for more information or simply join us in Room 123 on Wednesdays at noon!

Voya Financial's CISO, Stacy Hughes, Visits TSYS Cybersecurity Center

Stacy HughesDate: Monday, February 20, 2023

Stacy Hughes, Voya Financial's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), will be visiting the TSYS Cybersecurity Center Monday, February 20, 2023 to interact with the Cybersecurity Nexus students.

Stacy has been a strong advocate and supporter of the Nexus program from its beginning and has visited many times in her CISO roles with Global Payments and Voya Financial. She will meet and interact with the Nexus students in the three cohorts and share about the Cybersecurity landscape.

Global Payments Leaders Visit TSYS Cybersecurity Center

February 7, 2023

Two of the leaders from Global Payments' Security Operations Center will be visiting the TSYS Cybersecurity Center to interact with the Cybersecurity Nexus students. Justin Heath, Association Director, and Jonathan White, Manager, will both visit the CSU campus and meet the new cohort, interact with the other students, and observe the students from Cohort 5 in a Cyber Range scenario. Many thanks to our industry partners for investing so much time, effort, and guidance into our students. Let's hope they like what they see so some of our students get internships and jobs under these wonderful leaders!

Justin Heath
Justin Heath, Association Director

Jonathan White
Jonathan White, Manager

Global Payments Cybersecurity Leaders to Visit Cybersecurity Nexus Students

Several executive leaders from Global Payments' Information Security Division will visit the students in the Cybersecurity Nexus program. These are some spectacular Cybersecurity leaders who will share information about the latest cyber threats and tools and what it is like to work in Cybersecurity at Global Payments. Students are encouraged to participate in the discussions and be prepared to introduce yourselves to our guests.

Date and time: Wednesday, February 1, 2023‬‬‬‬

Mike Kane
Mike Kane
Senior Vice President

Robert Yager
Robert Yager
Senior Director

Bruce Thompson
Bruce Thompson
Director

CSU hosts Central High School Students and local technology VIPs

CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center hosted a group of students in a fun and crazy Friday morning event at Columbus State University! Thanks to Tiffani Migliore, CIO at Fort Moore's Garrison Command and Justin Heath-CISSP, Associate Director at Global Payments Inc., for visiting our students and generating excitement! At the same time, the Cybersecurity Club and Ambassadors from Central High School - Phenix City, Alabama were visiting our Cybersecurity program! Fun times with those bright students! Oh, and Nexus Cohort 5 students were busy with a cyber range scenario while all that excitement was going on!! You can see pictures and more on Linkedin!

Central High School Students and local technology VIPs
Central High School Students and local technology VIPs
Central High School Students and local technology VIPs
East Alabama Health's CIO visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center

What a thrill to have Oliver Banta, CIO of East Alabama Health visiting our Cybersecurity Nexus students at Columbus State University! He even brought a photo of his first home lab from "back in the day" that got him started on networking basics! Pretty impressive setup! Looks like he enjoyed jumping in with students who were working through a "Denial of Service" cyber range scenario as part of the Nexus program! View pictures and more information about the event on Linkedin.

East Alabama Health's CIO visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center
East Alabama Health's CIO visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center
East Alabama Health's CIO visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center
Professional “Ethical Hacker” visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center

There's nothing more meaningful or instructional for a student than to get time to interact with a professional who actually does what the student aspires to do "one day." Well, hats off to accomplished penetration tester Tripp Saxon from Global Payments Inc., who stopped by and gave his insight to a group of students taking the Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking) course in the Cybersecurity Nexus program at Columbus State University!! What a gift to hear what it is like to be a professional pen tester and get that expert advice!! Thank you so much, Tripp!! You are a generous professional and a very cool guy!

Professional “Ethical Hacker” visits CSU's TSYS Cybersecurity Center

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