Why is cybersecurity training important for Oregon’s tribal members and employees?
“Digital threats impacting American Indian and Alaska Native tribes are increasing and becoming more complex. Tribal sovereignty creates unique cybersecurity challenges for these communities who, for far too long, have been underfunded and under-resourced” (CISA, 2024).
Oregon supports tribal cybersecurity resilience: As tribes have increased their use of information technology, automation, and digital complexities, tribal sovereignty and the ability of tribes to self-govern is threatened by cybersecurity issues.
Oregon tribal members, like members of other tribal nations, are often targets for ransomware and phishing attacks because their systems are connected to larger networks that contain sensitive information. Cybercriminals who seek financial gain, data theft, or disruption of operations find the vulnerabilities within a system, including unwitting individuals, to exploit. Education in cybersecurity for tribal members and their employees is a critical defense against exploitation by cyber attacks.
What is the Cybersecurity Tribal Education Program all about?
Portland State University (PSU) has received grant funding to support the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon in creating and implementing cybersecurity education programs for their members and employees. The grant facilitates four components specifically designed to increase interest, accessibility, and experience in the field of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Education Seminars/Introduction to Cybersecurity Education Seminars
PSU staff will coordinate with each tribe's leadership to host a community-wide cybersecurity training event. This event will typically be held in-person and on-site (or in close proximity), though a virtual format can be arranged if preferred by the tribe. The six-hour seminar is open to all tribal members and employees, regardless of prior cybersecurity knowledge. Participants who complete the full six hours of this seminar will receive a certificate of completion. The tribe may elect, for its members, a full-day seminar on-site or an electronic version that meets three times for a total of six hours.
Mentorship & Career Pathways Advising
The program works with tribes to identify and train people who are interested in increasing their skills or pursuing careers in cybersecurity. Mentors will be selected by the tribe and assist participants in navigating further educational opportunities and career paths. Mentors will receive training and compensation through PSU.
Certificate in Building Tribal Cyber Resilience
PParticipants can earn a Certificate in Building Cyber Resilience by registering for PSU’s no-cost, 12-week training program, specifically designed for tribes. The certificate will teach participants how to identify, assess, and communicate cyber risks, as well as how to provide a cybersecurity risk assessment for an organization. A deep technical background is not required for enrollment, and technical terms will be explained throughout the course. Class meetings are held via Zoom every Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and all course materials are accessible on Canvas, our dedicated learning platform. This PSU certification is recognized throughout the workforce and can prepare participants for pursuing additional education and industry certifications.
Scholarships
Scholarships for other industry certifications are available for participants in the Cybersecurity Tribal Education Program. Industry certificates examples include, but are not limited to: CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity, and Microsoft Azure.
Why is Portland State University offering FREE cybersecurity training to tribal members and tribal employees in Oregon?
PSU administers grant funds that specify educational and workforce training in cybersecurity that is free to tribal members and tribal employees. Receiving this grant is the result of collaborative efforts stemming from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and Oregon’s HB 2049 which was signed into law in 2023. HB 2049 established the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE) to “fortify the state’s digital defenses against cyber threats.” OCCoE is housed at Portland State University and collaborates with partner universities: University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) also played a critical role in designating the availability of funds for workforce training and post-secondary initiatives in cybersecurity for tribes in Oregon.
Do participants need to have technical knowledge to succeed in these cybersecurity trainings?
For the programs offered by PSU (Seminar, Certificate, Scholarships, and Mentor/Career Pathways), a technical background is not required, and technical concepts will be explained during the programs. Program instructors and mentors will work with participants to create a unique shared learning experience that is understandable for all involved.
For industry certifications, technical knowledge or other training may be required.
Are these trainings useful for job placement?
Yes, each program offers distinct benefits. The seminars introduce participants to cybersecurity, enabling them to better protect themselves and their communities. Seminar participation also grants access to career coaching and mentorship for those interested in pursuing further education or a career in the field. The Certificate program is geared toward helping current employees deepen their cybersecurity understanding and grow into a cybersecurity role within their organization. Finally, the available scholarships cover industry certifications, which are recognized nationwide and across multiple fields.
Who is eligible to take this training?
These trainings are for tribal members and employees of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon.
When and how will these trainings take place?
Each tribe will be consulted to coordinate the time and location of each seminar, ensuring they are planned and situated conveniently for attendees. The full seminar is six to seven hours long.
A hybrid option can be arranged for participants to join the group electronically if they cannot travel to the meeting. Additionally, a virtual option may be available if a tribe is interested in making this available.
How is the training tailored to each tribe’s needs?
As part of our process, the PSU team meets with tribal leadership, representatives, and community members to learn more about the particular needs and challenges faced by each tribe. More information on those specific topics will be incorporated into a standard curriculum that ranges from community education, to workforce readiness, to higher-level learning for people who already have some IT or cybersecurity background, or a combination of all three of those groups.
Who teaches the Introduction to Cybersecurity seminars?
OCCoE at PSU
The Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE) is a collaborative initiative established by the Oregon Legislature and jointly operated by the state's three largest universities: PSU, Oregon State University (OSU), and the University of Oregon (UO). The mission of the OCCoE is to fortify Oregon's digital defense by bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application. The team at PSU focuses primarily on workforce development and cybersecurity education.
Cisco
PSU is partnering with Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad), an educational program operating as a vast, global IT skills-to-jobs program. The PSU Tribal Cybersecurity Program educators will collaborate with CISCO educator/s to deliver the seminars according to the level and interests of the tribal cybersecurity education participants.
Since its founding in 1997, NetAcad has partnered with educational institutions worldwide to deliver standardized, high-quality curricula focused on highly demanded skills like Networking (CCNA), Cybersecurity, Programming (Python), and IoT. CISCO has wide global experience in providing instructor-led training and certifications in cybersecurity.
What are the Introduction to Cybersecurity Seminar dates and locations?
Seminars will be held in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual in coordination with tribes. If you’re interested in hosting a seminar for your tribe, please contact Sullivan at suswift@pdx.edu.
Additional virtual Introduction to Cybersecurity Seminars will be scheduled and available for members and employees of any tribe in Oregon to register for. We will update this page and the primary website when they are scheduled.
How can I help bring free cybersecurity training to my tribal community? Whom do I contact at PSU if I’m interested in taking a course or bringing training to my tribal community?
Please contact Sullivan at suswift@pdx.edu or 503-725-5507.
Still have questions? Contact Sullivan at suswift@pdx.edu or 503-725-5507