DEFCON: Cyber

Community colleges face increasing pressure to prepare cybersecurity technicians with practical, real-world skills that align with employer needs. This session explores a proven approach to designing, implementing, and sustaining a simulated cyber range within a community college cybersecurity program. Drawing from an NSF Advanced Technological Education–funded project at Johnston Community College, the presenters discuss the key steps involved in cyber range adoption, including infrastructure planning, curriculum integration, faculty preparation, and student engagement. The cyber range functions as a clinical-style learning environment where students respond to simulated ransomware, reconnaissance, and distributed denial-of-service attacks. These hands-on scenarios provide work-equivalent learning experiences aligned with industry certifications and workforce expectations. Listeners will learn how cyber range simulations can strengthen workforce readiness, increase student engagement and retention, and…

Getting hired in cybersecurity takes more than technical skills. It requires strategy, preparation, and understanding what employers are really looking for. In this episode, Cybersecurity Career Coach Bob Hildenbrand shares practical advice for students, career changers, and aspiring professionals who want to break into the cybersecurity industry. From building a strong résumé and developing in-demand skills to networking, interviewing, and standing out in a competitive job market, Bob offers actionable insights to help listeners launch and advance their cybersecurity careers. Connect With Us For more information or to get involved, contact our team: 📧 Ryan Bradshaw – krbradshaw@johnstoncc.edu 📧 David Oliver – deoliver@johnstoncc.edu 📧 Daphne Lewis – dtlewis1@johnstoncc.edu 📧 Brian Worley – beworley@johnstoncc.edu 📧 Bob Hildenbrand – rchildenbrand@johnstoncc.edu 📧 Todd Retzlaff – teretzlaff@mail.johnstoncc.edu 📧 Julie Griffin – jcgriffin@johnstoncc.edu 🌐 JCC Cyber Defense HQ Webpage Johnston Community…

Ready to test your skills and compete in cybersecurity In this episode, we dive into the launch of our Cyber Competition Team at Johnston Community College, including what students can expect, how Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions work, and why these experiences are a game changer for building real world cyber skills 🔐 Learn how CTF challenges simulate real threats, sharpen problem solving, and prepare you for careers in cybersecurity 🚀 Interested in joining We are hosting an upcoming interest meeting for students who want to be part of the team, compete, and grow their skills in a hands on environment 💡 Whether you are brand new or already exploring cybersecurity, this is your opportunity to get involved, build experience, and be part of something competitive and exciting 🔗 Connect with us Ryan Bradshaw krbradshaw@johnstoncc.edu David Oliver deoliver@johnstoncc.edu Daphne Lewis dtlewis1@johnstoncc.edu Brian Worley beworley@johnstoncc.edu Bob Hildenbrand rchildenbrand@johnstoncc.edu 🌐 Learn more Cyber…

Connect With Us For more information or to get involved, contact our team 📧 Ryan Bradshaw ⁠krbradshaw@johnstoncc.edu⁠ 📧 David Oliver ⁠deoliver@johnstoncc.edu⁠ 📧 Daphne Lewis ⁠dtlewis1@johnstoncc.edu⁠ 📧 Brian Worley ⁠beworley@johnstoncc.edu⁠ 📧 Bob Hildenbrand ⁠rchildenbrand@johnstoncc.edu⁠ 🌐 JCC Cyber HQ Webpage Cyber Defense HQ JCC is proud to be an equal opportunity educational and employment institution, fostering success in an inclusive and collaborative environment. If you are a student, faculty member, or community partner who wants to participate in a future rapid assessment event or host a student presentation, reach out using the contacts above. Subscribe, rate, and share to help more learners and local businesses benefit from cyber readiness. 🎧 Do not miss this insightful episode where we explore how meaningful evaluation fuels meaningful change. Hit play and join the conversation 🎙️🔐

How do classroom skills translate into real world impact for local businesses and organizations This episode spotlights the Carolina Cyber Network and JCCs Cyber Safe Communities Initiative. You will hear three student presenters reflect on their talks, rapid assessment experiences in the community, and lessons learned about teamwork, communication, and professional growth. Since 1969, Johnston Community College has empowered students through education and workforce development. As a proud member of the North Carolina Community College System, we serve over 13,000 students annually across credit and noncredit programs. Our scenic 175 acre campus just 30 miles east of Raleigh features modern facilities, ponds, and career focused learning environments. With 35 plus occupational programs and growing cybersecurity pathways, we are shaping tomorrows professionals. Connect With Us For more information or to get involved, contact our team 📧 Ryan Bradshaw krbradshaw@johnstoncc.edu 📧 David Oliver…

🎙️ Defcon: Cyber – Episode 6 🎙️ In this episode, we welcome John & Maggie Cosgrove of Cosgrove & Associates, our external evaluation partners for the NSF ATE grant. 📊🎓 Hosted at Johnston Community College (JCC) in Smithfield, North Carolina, this episode explores how evaluation plays a vital role in advancing and assessing the impact of our cybersecurity initiatives. 🔍 The Power of Evaluation 🔍 The Cosgroves bring years of experience as NSF ATE evaluators and join us to share insights on the importance of program evaluation, how it supports continuous improvement, and why collaboration between project teams and evaluators is critical for long-term success. We dive into their process, perspectives, and their visit with the JCC team to review our progress and next steps. 🎯 Measuring What Matters 🎯 From setting measurable goals to assessing student outcomes and industry engagement, John and Maggie highlight key tools and strategies that help us stay aligned with our mission and NSF expectations. Whether you’re…

🎙️ Defcon: Cyber – Episode 5 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into some exciting new developments and opportunities at Johnston Community College (JCC). 🌐 Hosted on our beautiful campus in Smithfield, North Carolina, this podcast is your gateway to understanding today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape! 🎉 Celebrating CAE Designation! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that JCC has recently received the prestigious National Security Agency (NSA) Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) designation. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing high-quality cybersecurity education and training, enhancing our ability to prepare students for success in this critical field. 🌟 Carolina Cyber Network Spring Gathering 🌟 We also discuss our participation in the Carolina Cyber Network Spring Gathering, where collaboration and innovation were front and center. Networking with peers and industry leaders continues to strengthen our mission to advance cybersecurity education across North Carolina. 💼 Internship…

In this episode we interview, Bob Hildenbrand, our new Cybersecurity Career Coach at JCC. We’re thrilled to bring you engaging discussions and insights on cybersecurity, proudly supported by funding from the National Science Foundation’s ATE Program. 🌐 Hosted on the beautiful campus of Johnston Community College (JCC) in Smithfield, North Carolina, this podcast is your gateway to understanding today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape! 🔒✨ 🏫 About JCC 🏫Since 1969, Johnston Community College has been committed to empowering students with education and skills for the future. 💼🎓 As part of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC serves 13,000+ students annually through credit and non-credit programs. 📍 Located just 30 miles east of Raleigh, our 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, serene ponds, and vibrant landscapes. 🌳🏞️ With 35+ occupational programs and a robust lineup of continuing education courses, JCC prepares students to excel in today’s workforce. 🚀 📢 Connect With Us! 📢For more…

In this episode we talk with JCC IT / Cybersecurity faculty, Greg Rasner, Tim Boyd, and Alan Gruver on their reflections of the Raleigh, NC InfoSeCon 2024 Conference. We’re thrilled to bring you engaging discussions and insights on cybersecurity, proudly supported by funding from the National Science Foundation’s ATE Program. 🌐 Hosted on the beautiful campus of Johnston Community College (JCC) in Smithfield, North Carolina, this podcast is your gateway to understanding today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape! 🔒✨ 🏫 About JCC 🏫 Since 1969, Johnston Community College has been committed to empowering students with education and skills for the future. 💼🎓 As part of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC serves 13,000+ students annually through credit and non-credit programs. 📍 Located just 30 miles east of Raleigh, our 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, serene ponds, and vibrant landscapes. 🌳🏞️ With 35+ occupational programs and a robust lineup of continuing education courses, JCC…

😎 Welcome to the DEFCON: Cyber Podcast! We are excited to bring you engaging discussions and insights on cybersecurity, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation's ATE program. This podcast is hosted on the campus of Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Johnston Community College (JCC) has been proudly serving students since 1969, offering associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a variety of programs, including college transfer, occupational, technical, and continuing education. As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC welcomes over 13,000 students annually in both credit and non-credit programs. Situated just 30 miles east of Raleigh, our 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, scenic ponds, and beautiful landscapes, providing an excellent learning environment for students. With around 35 occupational programs of study and numerous continuing education courses, JCC offers a wealth of opportunities to prepare for…

Welcome to the DEFCON: Cyber Podcast! We are excited to bring you engaging discussions and insights on cybersecurity, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation's ATE program. This podcast is hosted on the campus of Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Johnston Community College (JCC) has been proudly serving students since 1969, offering associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a variety of programs, including college transfer, occupational, technical, and continuing education. As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC welcomes over 13,000 students annually in both credit and non-credit programs. Situated just 30 miles east of Raleigh, our 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, scenic ponds, and beautiful landscapes, providing an excellent learning environment for students. With around 35 occupational programs of study and numerous continuing education courses, JCC offers a wealth of opportunities to prepare for…

Welcome to the DEFCON: Cyber Podcast! We are excited to bring you engaging discussions and insights on cybersecurity, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation. This podcast is hosted on the campus of Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Johnston Community College (JCC) has been proudly serving students since 1969, offering associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a variety of programs, including college transfer, occupational, technical, and continuing education. As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC welcomes over 13,000 students annually in both credit and non-credit programs. Situated just 30 miles east of Raleigh, our 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, scenic ponds, and beautiful landscapes, providing an excellent learning environment for students. With around 35 occupational programs of study and numerous continuing education courses, JCC offers a wealth of opportunities to prepare for today’s dynamic…