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Small Businesses are Better Equipped to Prevent Cybercrime. DHS’s Recent Funding Will Aid Their Research.

Since the inception of the internet, cybercrime has been a concern. The escalating wave of cyber threats necessitates cutting-edge defenses to safeguard our digital realm. Recognizing this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently awarded $3.15 million to 20 small businesses for proof-of-concept research in cybersecurity. Given that small businesses contributed to 44…

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By Joan Ross · · Cyber AttackCybercrimeCybersecurityDepartment of Homeland Security
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Key takeaways

01

Since the inception of the internet, cybercrime has been a concern.

02

The escalating wave of cyber threats necessitates cutting-edge defenses to safeguard our digital realm.

03

Recognizing this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently awarded $3.15 million to 20 small businesses for proof-of-concept research in cybersecurity.

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Since the inception of the internet, cybercrime has been a concern. The escalating wave of cyber threats necessitates cutting-edge defenses to safeguard our digital realm. Recognizing this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently awarded $3.15 million to 20 small businesses for proof-of-concept research in cybersecurity. Given that small businesses contributed to 44 percent of U.S. economic activity in 2020, this support can drive vital innovations in the field.

But, does this funding program go far enough, and what additional areas of research should be prioritized? Does this mark a paradigm shift in how we approach the fight against cybercrime?

Examining this recent funding, Joan Ross, an Adjunct Cybersecurity Professor at St. Martin’s University, posed several questions on this. She offered insight into the seven areas of focus within the DHS program and presented her views on further areas that require exploration and funding.

Ross further explored:

  • The essentiality of accurate real-time detection in the current cyber threat landscape.
  • The importance of focusing on supply chain capabilities, first responder credentialing, and reduced order modeling of critical infrastructure.
  • Ross’s call for additional funding for behavioral analysis combined with data science and exploration of passive observation capabilities.

Joan Ross brings over 30 years of experience as a technologist and working professional in the cybersecurity industry. As an adjunct professor of Incident Response at St. Martin’s University, her insights stem from deep experience and a firm grasp of the ongoing changes in the cybersecurity landscape.

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About the author

Joan Ross
Joan RossAdjunct Cybersecurity Professor

Joan Ross is an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at St. Martin's University, and is a global technologist by trade. Ross has over 23 years of experience as a Global Cybersecurity Technologist and CISO, with a focus on utilizing AI tooling for real-time cybercrime detection and prevention. She's held significant roles, currently serving as the Chief Intelligence Officer at InsightCyber and Global Cybersecurity Technologist at CISO Advisory Services, and formerly serving as Advisory Board Member at the University of Washington's CIAC and Regional CISO at Fortinet. Her expertise and research is focused on AI for cyber security, forensics, vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence, secure design, global services, incident response, encryption key management, privacy, infrastructure reliability, and successful technical implementation of industry leading cyber security strategy.

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About the Expert

Joan Ross
Joan Ross

Adjunct Cybersecurity Professor

Joan Ross is an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at St. Martin's University, and is a global technologist by trade. Ross has over 23 years of experience as a Global Cybersecurity Technologist and CISO, with a focus on utilizing AI tooling for real-time cybercrime detection and prevention. She's held significant roles, currently serving as the Chief Intelligence Officer at InsightCyber and Global Cybersecurity Technologist at CISO Advisory Services, and formerly serving as Advisory Board Member at the University of Washington's CIAC and Regional CISO at Fortinet. Her expertise and research is focused on AI for cyber security, forensics, vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence, secure design, global services, incident response, encryption key management, privacy, infrastructure reliability, and successful technical implementation of industry leading cyber security strategy.

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