Cybersecurity Interns Make Impact in North Carolina
In the heart of North Carolina’s digital defense efforts, two cybersecurity interns have stepped up to safeguard both state systems and residents’ personal information. These interns, part of a strategic program, are making significant contributions to the state’s cybersecurity landscape.
Working within the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Enterprise Security and Risk Management Office, Jennifer Medina and Jacob Wright have been instrumental in identifying and neutralizing potential cyber threats. Medina, a graduate of Wake Technical Community College, recently intercepted a suspicious email, which prompted a comprehensive system clean-up and the blocking of a malicious URL, effectively preventing user access to the harmful link.
In another instance, Fayetteville Technical Community College student Jacob Wright detected an attempted account breach before automated systems could respond, allowing his team to swiftly isolate and disable the threat. The proactive measures taken by both interns received commendations from their colleagues and supervisors alike.
“Folks raved about what they did,” stated Albert Moore, an IT security and compliance manager at NCDIT. “It really caught my attention when their coworkers were congratulating them for saving the day.”
Their efforts are part of a larger initiative, a collaboration between NCDIT and the Carolina Cyber Network, which involves 23 educational institutions across the state. This partnership aims to enhance North Carolina’s cybersecurity workforce by providing students with hands-on experience in protecting public systems.
For Wright, who transitioned from a military career as an Army sergeant and combat medic to studying cybersecurity, the internship serves as a crucial stepping stone into the field. “This internship is a kind of bridge over the gap to doing exactly what I want to do,” Wright expressed.
Similarly, for Medina, the internship has solidified her career aspirations in cybersecurity. “It’s confirmed this is the work I want to be doing. This is the career I want to pursue,” she shared.
The internship program offers paid positions with flexible 20-hour work weeks, allowing students to manage their studies, work, and personal commitments while gaining valuable experience. These roles not only bolster the state’s cyber defenses but also address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
According to Moore, “There are lots of places to fit in cybersecurity, and I believe it’s a strong career choice. Public service is a calling. The reward is knowing the data you’re protecting is your data, your family’s information, and the systems people rely on every day.”
In an effort to further fortify North Carolina’s digital infrastructure, NCDIT is broadening its partnerships with academic institutions to attract more early-career talent to public service technology roles.
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