Background
To begin, with pursuing a degree in Computer Management and Informational Systems, I have acquired information
in many different types of classes and have enjoyed a majority of them. Information Security (CMIS 422) in particular stood
out the most, as I felt very engaged and drawn to the material. During my time in the class, I retained much information about cybersecurity,
and my passion for the subject began to flourish. In class, Dr. Jacks invited the SIUe Police Department’s Investigations Unit to
speak in front of our class to learn more about Law Enforcement and why it was important in regard to cybersecurity. When realizing
how cybersecurity and law enforcement have developed overtime to work hand in hand, I became very intrigued and felt drawn to learn more.
The Investigations Unit expressed interest in a cybersecurity student to intern with them who potentially would want a job in this field but would not be
getting paid. Even though many students would shy away from an unpaid internship, I knew that another experience like this might not come around. At the time, I did not know what
the internship would look like or if I would even enjoy it. But I knew that the opportunity would give me insight on a different type of path that I may want to pursue in the future.
That day, I expressed my interest in the internship and was later given the chance to continue learning hands-on and gain knowledge not only in cybersecurity,
but also law enforcement.
Lesson #1: Importance of Confidentiality
One important lesson I learned with this internship would have to be the importance of confidentiality. Not only is it important to keep paperwork and police work classified
so information does not get exposed, but also to keep everyone involved safe and protected. With teachers, students, family, and friends knowing that I was interning
with Investigations, I was always getting questions about my job. I had to be very careful about what I would say and how I would say it. I enjoyed and continue to
enjoy sharing my experience with others, but there is only an acceptable amount of information I can say. With any job, but especially a job in law enforcement,
if any information was uncovered or an identity of a source was revealed, it can put that individual’s life in danger, and pose a threat to anyone involved.
Trust is a big part in law enforcement and intelligence, so I learned to stay confidential in order to keep the department safe and so my team knew they could depend on me.
Lesson #2: Cybersecurity vs. Law Enforcement
The second major lesson I learned was how cybersecurity and law enforcement really do complement each other. As the use of computers and technology has
increased, so has data breaches by outside hackers, online drug deals, selling child pornography online, and much more criminal acts. Today,
it is imperative for anyone working in law enforcement to have some knowledge of the internet and how it works. Often time, law enforcement’s
role in helping others come hand-in-hand with cybersecurity, as most times they are solving or recovering the information that was taken from a
database or a computer. Understanding technology will always be an important tool for law enforcement, as it will help to stop cybercriminals
and address vulnerabilities that are generated by the internet.
Tasks
| Responsibilities |
Projects |
| Assist with investigations of computer and financial crime |
Researched on social media accounts and created accounts for investigations to use when needed for undercover cases |
| Assisted investigations unit on undercover ride-alongs as the scripter |
Provide IT support for office technology including case management, evidence collection, and dispatch |
| Assisted investigations unit on undercover child pornography cases |
Kept colleagues up to date on social media and important news |