Cyber Leadership and Intelligence

November 27, 2019

In its second year being offered at Dakota State, Cyber Leadership and Intelligence (CLI) program is equipping students with the knowledge of cyber systems, world cultures, international politics, human behavior, and leadership.

“The CLI major provides an international affairs and national security focus to cyberspace,” said Dr. Ben Young, assistant professor in CLI. “From studying North Korean hackers to investigating the rise of radical Islamic terrorism, this major prepares students for a wide range of careers in the private and public sectors. It emphasizes critical thinking, communications skills, and a globally-minded approach to cybersecurity.”

Nathan Kramer, senior cyber operations major from Sioux Falls, S.D., is in this fall’s CLI 101 class, which he chose as an elective.

“I wanted to fill one of my electives with something unique yet significant in my field,” Kramer said. “This course has proven to be both.”

CLI 101 examines the ways in which nation-states regulate and treat cyberspace, he explained. The course uses a combination of history, cultural studies, political science, and security studies sources to analyze the transformation of the cyber realm in relationship with the modern world.

Recently CLI 101 had a guest speaker, Nick Podhradsky, senior vice president of sales and support at SBS CyberSecurity. Podhradsky offered insight into careers in cybersecurity. He spoke about data breaches, hacking, phishing, and other cybersecurity related concerns in today’s world. He also spoke of the importance of various soft skills, like communication necessary to work in the cyber field.

“One of the biggest challenges we face in cybersecurity is being able to properly communicate to others how to develop this security-mindset,” Kramer said. “Having sharpened soft skills is necessary in order to accomplish this.”

Kramer is appreciative of guest speakers like Podhradsky who offer a workplace perspective in cybersecurity and an opportunity for students to ask questions and get feedback from someone established in the industry.