Information Security Commons^™

Integrating Adversarial Scenarios Into Llm Security Labs: An Experience Report On A Hands-On Approach, Dominic A. Wilson

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This paper presents an exploratory case study detailed as a pedagogical experience report on integrating adversarial Large Language Model (LLM) scenarios into a graduate cybersecurity curriculum. In addition to prompt injection, sophisticated techniques such as jailbreaking and model inversion pose emerging threats that traditional computer security curricula often lack. We present the design and implementation of a structured, hands-on module addressing this gap, utilizing a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) platform with local open-source LLMs. A cohort of 16 graduate students participated in this two-week pilot module, engaging in "red team" activities to actively exploit model alignment and privacy vulnerabilities. The …

A Review Of Routing Attacks In Routing Protocol Over Low-Power And Lossy-Based Iot Networks, Lanka Chris Sejaphala Mr., Vusimuzi Malele Prof, Francis Lugayizi Prof.

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Low-power and Lossy IoT Networks (LLNs) comprise physical sensors, processing capability, power, and other technologies to exchange information between systems and devices over the internet. However, these networks are susceptible to routing attacks affecting resources, traffic flow, and topology formation. In the related work, it has been discovered that many previous studies do not consider algorithms and implementation approaches for routing attacks. This research study provides a comprehensive in-depth synthesis insight into the description, effects, and algorithms & implementation of four routing attacks in LLNs i.e., rank, sinkhole, DIS-flooding, and worst parent attacks. The findings of this research study highlight …

The Soft Target Curriculum: Using Nigeria's 2026 Cascading Breaches To Teach Foundational Cybersecurity Failures, Chinedum Amaechi, Doris Asogwa, Samuel Alade

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

SourceURL:file:///home/amaechi/Documents/ *Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice (JCERP)*. **Title:** The Soft Target Curriculum: Using Nigeria's 2026 Cascading Breaches to Teach Foundational Cybersecurity Failures.docx

Background: Between March and April 2026, a single threat actor allegedly compromised four Nigerian institutions across banking, payment infrastructure, government registry, and power distribution sectors. The breaches exposed millions of records and disrupted critical services, yet all four exploited elementary vulnerabilities taught in introductory cybersecurity courses. Objective: This pedagogical case study analyzes the four breaches as a unified phenomenon of "normalized negligence" and provides ready-to-use teaching materials for cybersecurity educators. Methods: Using open-source intelligence analysis of …

Advancing Cybersecurity Practice: Explainable Machine Learning For Network Intrusion Detection, Adam Grabowski, Shengjie Xu

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This research investigates explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) integration within machine learning (ML)-based intrusion detection systems (IDS), focusing on distinguishing malicious from benign network activities. We employed Random Forest and XGBoost models evaluated on widely recognized datasets, including NSL-KDD and UNSW-NB15, using both binary and multi-class classification tasks. The objective was to enhance cybersecurity operations through improved model transparency and interpretability. By integrating SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations), the study offers comprehensive global and local insights into model decision-making processes. Results demonstrate SHAP's effectiveness in providing a broad, dataset-wide understanding of feature interactions and importance, while …

Cybercamp: An Experience Report On The Transformations Of An Intensive Cybersecurity Summer Camp For High School Students, Jose R. Ortiz Ubarri, Kariluz Dávila Diaz Ph.D., Rafael A. Arce Nazario

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The Cybercamp is a Cybersecurity summer camp for high school students that has been held for the last nine years at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Since its inception in 2016 the Cybercamp has undergone several transformations in response to budget reductions and the COVID pandemic, to finally become its current version: a rich, hands-on learning experience that we believe is easily replicable even in resource-challenged environments.

In this paper, we document the transformations of the Cybercamp and discuss the developed curriculum and materials in hopes that others will reuse, adapt, and improve upon them. In the Cybercamp, we apply active …

Software-Defined Networking Powered By Ai-Driven Anomaly Detection, Dina Moloja, Vusumuzi Malele Prof

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Software Defined Networking (SDN) revolutionizes network control by separating the control plane from the data plane. Although the latter improves SDN agility and scalability, it creates a security hole, particularly in a central control plane, leading to SDN environments becoming high-profile targets for advanced cybersecurity threats. Due to static and signature-based point-in-time behavior, traditional security methods are unable to keep up with modern attacks that are an anomaly to SDNs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) with its different applications and techniques, has the capability of detecting SDN cyber threats’ anomalies. This paper presents the results of a literature scoping exercise that used …

Experts’ Validation Of The Fundamental Cybersecurity Competency Index (Fcci) Using A Commercial Cyber Range Through Human-Generative Artificial Intelligence (Genai) Teaming, Dariusz Witko, Yair Levy, Catherine Neubauer, Greg Simco, Laurie P. Dringus, Melissa Carlton

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The increasing volume of cyber threats, combined with a critical shortage of skilled professionals and rising burnout among practitioners, highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions in cybersecurity operations. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) offers promising potential to augment human analysts in cybersecurity, but its integration requires rigorous validation of the fundamental competencies that enable effective collaboration of human-GenAI teams. This research study employed a mixed-methods research project designed to evaluate human-GenAI teams, emphasizing the role of expert consensus in shaping the experimental assessment of the Fundamental Cybersecurity Competency Index (FCCI) in a commercial cyber range. We engaged 20 Subject Matter …

Security And Privacy Of Wearable And Implantable Medical Devices: A Course-Based Approach To Medical Device Cybersecurity Education, Michelle M. Ramim

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

As wearable and implantable medical devices become integral to remote patient monitoring and precision medicine, the associated cybersecurity and privacy risks demand urgent attention. These devices are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, potentially endangering patient safety and data integrity. To address this, we developed an experiential learning course titled Security and Privacy of Wearable and Implantable Medical Devices, designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in health and medical fields. The course immerses students in real-world challenges through lectures, labs, and project-based learning, leveraging wearable devices such as FitBit^TM to analyze and interpret real-time personal health data. The curriculum …

Higher Education Cybersecurity: A Vulnerability Assessment Of The U.S. South’S Institutional Websites, Zachary W. Taylor, Vivi Vo

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

As technology continues to advance, it is critical to understand how higher education institutions protect digital information of their stakeholders including students, faculty, and staff through cybersecurity measures. Although conceptual research has articulated various aspects of cybersecurity, no empirical research has explored the cybersecurity of higher education (.edu) websites through a vulnerability scan of these websites via an open PortScan and analysis. To fill a critical gap in the literature, this study conducted a vulnerability scan and open PortScan and analysis of all higher education websites in three of the lowest-income states in the United States: Louisiana (n=112), Mississippi (n=52), …

Impact Of Information Security Awareness Training On Knowledge, Attitude, And Behavior: A K-12 Case Study, Michael S. Robbins, Christopher Robbins

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Abstract— Information security breaches remain a serious threat across all sectors, often exploiting human factors rather than technical flaws. This study examines how a structured Information Security Awareness (ISA) training program influences employees’ knowledge of security policies, attitudes towards those policies, and self-reported security behaviors within a K-12 educational environment. A quantitative pre-test/post-test design was employed with 201 staff members (administrators, teachers, and support personnel) in a public school district. Participants completed the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q) before and after undergoing an interactive cybersecurity training program. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in information security knowledge, attitudes, …

Prompt Engineering For Genai In Cybersecurity Incident Response: A Multi-Platform Evaluation Based On Nice Pr-Ir-001, Yuanyuan Liu

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This study explores the application of prompt engineering in cybersecurity education, mainly by evaluating the performance of different generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platforms when performing tasks consistent with the NICE framework role pr-ir-001 - Network Defense Incident Responder. The study employed structured prompts designed for a medical technology environment compliant with HIPAA and NIST SP 800-53, while the tasks of the three GenAI models (GPT-4, Gemini, and DeepSeek) were to generate event response scenarios. Their outputs will be evaluated from four aspects: accuracy, relevance, clarity and completeness.

The results show that the three models differ in depth and consistency, but …

Arizona’S Experiential Learning Opportunities: Regional Security Operations Centers And Cybersecurity Clinics, Joshua Kipers, Paul Wagner, Robert J. Honomichl

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The increasing frequency, sophistication, and economic impact of cybersecurity incidents have intensified the global demand for a skilled cybersecurity workforce. Traditional academic programs often fail to provide the applied experience necessary to prepare graduates for the rapidly evolving threat landscape. This paper examines Arizona’s innovative approaches to experiential cybersecurity education through the establishment of Regional Security Operations Centers (RSOCs) and the Arizona Cybersecurity Clinic. These initiatives integrate Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework to align academic preparation with real-world practice. The RSOCs, supported by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, provide paid student internships focused on …

Static Malware Analysis For Incident Response: Developing A Tactical Aid With Ember, Joel Meoak, Shengjie Xu

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Incident responders face a variety of challenges when identifying malware using existing solutions, particularly when rapid tactical decisions are needed. Traditional malware detection methods are often signature-based, limiting their effectiveness to previously known threats detected by anti-virus (AV) engines. Online analysis tools introduce confidentiality risks, potentially alerting adversaries that their actions are under scrutiny. While free sandbox environments offer useful capabilities, they often require substantial setup time and hardware resources that may not be available in the field. This research leverages the Elastic Malware Benchmark for Empowering Researchers (EMBER) dataset to develop a lightweight, portable tactical decision aid that enables …

Experiential Learning: Innovative Approaches To Post-Secondary Cybersecurity Education, Brendan Bertone, Paul Wagner, Joshua Pauli

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The cybersecurity profession continues to face a significant shortfall of qualified professionals despite steady growth in degree programs. Employers consistently cite experience as the main barrier for entry-level cybersecurity hires. This paper argues that clinic-based experiential learning offers a scalable solution to that preparation gap. A systematic literature review spanning academic and professional literature was conducted to examine: (1) barriers to entry for aspiring cybersecurity professionals; (2) the effectiveness of experiential learning compared to traditional instruction; and (3) the viability and scalability of cybersecurity clinics. Screening emphasized workforce development, experiential pedagogy, and alignment with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Findings …

Information Security Awareness And Behavior Of Smartphone Users In The Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, Funmilola Olubunmi Omotayo

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Today, there is a rapid increase in the number of people using the Internet via smartphones and relying on them for most of their daily activities. Consequently, smartphones are becoming the target of criminals for atrocious purposes. This study investigated the information security awareness and behavior of smartphone users in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was collected with a questionnaire from 400 respondents who were conveniently selected. Findings revealed that most smartphone users knew about the smartphone security features available on their phones. However, most also engaged in behaviors that threatened their information …

A Comprehensive Review On Gamification In Neurocybersecurity, Ms. Kritika

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The research investigates gamification methods as it applies to the emerging interdisciplinary domain that brings together cybersecurity with neuroscience and psychology. Neurocybersecurity implements neural concepts to protect digital systems from security threats while targeting the human vulnerabilities that present as the strongest points of attack. Several researchers have examined gamification techniques which incorporate game design elements to enhance cybersecurity training outcomes by improving user participation and knowledge retention and user conduct compliance. The research incorporates Self-Determination Theory along with Cognitive Load Theory to explain the design principles for efficient gamified interventions. The implementation of both cognitive performance improvement and neuroplasticity …

Optimizing Information Security In Cloud Environments: A Risk Management Approach And Guide For Enterprise Cloud Security, Joshua Olusegun Oyeniyi, Oluwashina Akinloye Oyeniran

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

In recent years, cloud computing has become increasingly integral to organizational operations due to its scalability, accessibility and cost effectiveness in managing data and resources. However, the rise in security threats and attacks on cloud environments necessitates having robust measures in place to protect data confidentiality, integrity and availability. This paper presents an optimized approach to cloud information security management by reviewing the current threat landscape, evaluating key risk management frameworks, and provided practical solutions for enhancing enterprise cloud security. The study examined three leading cloud security frameworks: the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) known for its cloud-specific controls, the NIST …

The National Cybersecurity Teaching Coalition: Expanding Cybersecurity Education Opportunities, Paul Wagner, Melissa Dark, Robert Honomichl, Filipo Sharevski, Sandra Leiterman

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The increasing prevalence of cybersecurity threats and the shortage of qualified professionals necessitate innovative solutions for cybersecurity education at all levels. Despite the expansion of post-secondary cybersecurity programs, employer dissatisfaction with graduates and a lack of standardized introductory curricula highlights the need for structured secondary education pathways. The National Cybersecurity Teaching Coalition (NCTC) and its National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA) address this gap by equipping high school educators with the necessary knowledge and credentials to teach cybersecurity effectively. NCTA offers an 18-credit cybersecurity graduate certificate program to ensure teachers are competent and confident to develop and teach cybersecurity curriculum with …

The Impact Of Ai Use In Programming Courses On Critical Thinking Skills, Christian Jay St Francis Clarke, Abdullah Konak

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Proficiency in computer programming extends far beyond memorizing syntax; it depends on the cultivation of critical thinking. Computer programming requires multiple interconnected competencies, including systematic problem analysis, algorithmic reasoning, mastery of programming languages, debugging capabilities, a comprehensive understanding of software development methodologies, rigorous testing practices, and systematic troubleshooting approaches. These skills are also essential for cybersecurity experts; cybersecurity programs require several programming courses to enhance students’ technical and critical thinking skills. Generative AI (GenAI) technologies have fundamentally changed the process of developing applications and approaches to teaching coding. The growing use of GenAI technologies by students in writing computer code …

The Urgency Of Instituting Systemic Cybersecurity Curriculum Within Stem At Secondary Educational Levels In Preparation For Postsecondary Institutions., Robert Spencer

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Over the last 20 years, many secondary institutions have made advances developing curriculum defined as “STEM (Science, Engineering and Mathematics)” in order to ensure secondary students are eligible to apply as well excel in technology degree programs at the college and university levels. Although various initiatives exist, there are studies however, which allude to a great possibility that there will be a lack of cybersecurity professionals filling present day and anticipated future positions. Despite a large number of federal and educational enhancements there is need for additional research regarding instituting overall systemic processes and curriculum which supports secondary student transition …

Educating Students On The Behavioral And Psychological Aspects Of Romance Scam Victimization Via A Social Engineering Competition, Rachel Bleiman, Hwanhee Park, Aunshul Rege

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The online dating industry generated 2.98 billion USD in 2023 and is estimated to reach 3.6 billion USD by 2025. Not surprisingly, online dating platforms are rife with romance scams that cause financial damages, with estimated losses of 1.3 billion USD in 2022 alone. Additionally, victims suffer emotional and psychological harms. This paper shares findings from a 2023 Romance Scam and Social Engineering Competition (RSSEC) that introduced students to the behavioral and psychological aspects of romance scams. Specifically, the competition aimed to expose students to (i) understanding how victims experience social engineering (SE) - the psychological manipulation of human behavior, …

Managing Cybersecurity In Local Governments: 2022, Donald F. Norris Phd, Laura K. Mateczun Jd

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This paper, based on data from our second nationwide survey of cybersecurity among local or grassroots governments in the U.S., examines how these governments manage this important function. As we have shown elsewhere, cybersecurity among local governments is increasingly important because these governments are under constant or nearly constant cyberattack. Due to the frequency of cyberattacks, as well as the probability that at least some attacks will succeed and cause damage to local government information systems, these governments have great responsibility to protect their information assets. This, in turn, requires these governments to manage cybersecurity effectively, something our data show …

Exploring School Teachers' Cyber Security Awareness, Experiences, And Practices In The Digital Age, R Ravichandran, Sonam Singh, P Sasikala

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This study investigates the awareness and practices of cyber security among school teachers, exploring their understanding of cyber threats, online behaviours, and response mechanisms to cyber incidents. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather data on demographic information, cyber security training, online practices, and experiences with cybercrime. The findings reveal varying levels of awareness among teachers, with many reporting limited knowledge of prevalent cyber threats such as phishing and identity theft. Despite the increasing reliance on digital tools for teaching, a significant number of respondents indicated a lack of formal training in cyber security. The study highlights the necessity for …

Insights In Cybersecurity Of A Smart Campus - A Review, Mircea Ţălu

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The profound impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on various fronts, is driven by technological advancements, the ubiquitous spread of information, and the emergence of transformative events. IoT presents a diverse array of possibilities within university environments, fostering a more connected and enhanced educational experience. This research undertakes a comprehensive review of existing literature to provide context to the IoT and underscore its crucial significance in the realm of smart campuses. Additionally, the paper explores the intricate connections between IoT and key concepts such as cybersecurity and wireless sensor networks to present a holistic perspective. It delves into the …

Digital Twin And Cybersecurity In Additive Manufacturing, Lidong Wang

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been applied to automotive, aerospace, medical sectors, etc., but there are still challenges such as parts’ porosity, cracks, surface roughness, intrinsic anisotropy, and residual stress because of the high level of thermal gradient. It is significant to conduct the modeling and simulation of the AM process and achieve quality products. Digital Twin (DT) can help AM with forecasting defects/errors through simulation and real-time process monitoring. DT is a concept of Industry 4.0, and its digital structure reflects the real-time behaviors of a cyber-physical or physical system. This paper introduces the progress of DT applications in AM, …

Integrating Humanities Into Cybersecurity Education: Enhancing Ethical, Historical, And Sociopolitical Understanding In Technical Training, Joseph Frusci

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The increasing complexity of cybersecurity challenges necessitates a holistic educational approach that integrates both technical skills and humanistic perspectives. This article examines the importance of infusing humanities disciplines such as history, ethics, political science, sociology, law, and anthropology—into cybersecurity education. Through a pilot course developed for Staten Island Technical High School, aligned with the New York State K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards, students were introduced to an interdisciplinary curriculum that combined technical cybersecurity training with historical analysis, ethical reasoning, and sociopolitical context. The results of pre- and post-course assessments demonstrated significant improvements in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and …

Beyond Human-Centric Models In Cybersecurity Education: A Pilot Posthuman Analysis Of The Nice Workforce Framework For Cybersecurity, Ryan Straight

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This study applies a posthuman lens to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework, examining two key Work Roles in cybersecurity education. Employing a novel posthuman coding scheme, the associated Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills (TKS) statements were analyzed. Findings reveal significant posthuman elements within the framework while identifying opportunities for further integration. The analysis demonstrates a strong presence of human-technology entanglement and adaptive learning concepts, yet highlights areas where the framework could emphasize system complexity and interconnectedness. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on cybersecurity education in complex technological landscapes, proposing a theoretical framework for integrating posthuman concepts …

Wormhole Attack Mitigation In Wireless Network Using Propagation Delay, Harry May, Travis Atkison

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This paper presents a novel approach for mitigating wormhole attacks on wireless networks using propagation delay timing. The wormhole attack is a persistent security threat that threatens the integrity of network communications, potentially leading to data theft or other malicious activities. While various methods exist for combating wormhole attacks, our approach offers advantages that set it apart. Our approach involves a combination of proactive and reactive measures, harnessing box plot analysis and weighting factor techniques to identify and isolate outlier node links effectively. Unlike traditional methods, our solution not only detects outlier links but also defines dynamic weighting factors, providing …

Happy Hours, Not Office Hours: Socially Engaging Cybersecurity Students In A Large Online Graduate Course, James T. Mccafferty

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Engagement is a critical part of student learning and student success. This is especially true in online classes where students have less interaction with their classmates and instructors when compared to traditional face-to-face courses. Research on engagement has shown that when students are meaningfully engaged it can increase student satisfaction and it may also increase levels of academic achievement, including grades earned and degree progression (e.g. Wong et al., 2024). This paper focuses on social engagement in a graduate cybersecurity program that uses large, expandable online courses as described by Whitman and Mattord (2023). Large online graduate classes (i.e., more …

Leveraging Propagation Delay For Wormhole Detection In Wireless Networks, Harry May, Travis Atkison

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Detecting and mitigating wormhole attacks in wireless networks remains a critical challenge due to their deceptive nature and potential to compromise network integrity. This paper proposes a novel approach to wormhole detection by leveraging propagation delay analysis between network nodes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on signature-based detection or specialized hardware, our method focuses on analyzing propagation delay timings to identify anomalous behavior indicative of wormhole attacks. The proposed methodology involves collecting propagation delay data in both normal network scenarios and scenarios with inserted malicious wormhole nodes. By comparing these delay timings, our approach aims to differentiate between legitimate network …