News & Updates

FEBRUARY 2025

Securing the Future: 2024 SOC/Range Initiative Highlights

In 2024, the MassCyberCenter’s Security Operations Center (SOC) and Cyber Range Initiative made significant progress towards developing a more diverse cybersecurity talent pipeline statewide. This program also strengthened the cyber defenses of under-resourced organizations and local governments across the state. Last year’s highlights include:

4,325 students across 13 academic members of the CyberTrust consortium enrolled in cybersecurity and related fields.

2,314 students and professionals trained on Cyber Ranges, including 2,052 students (K-12, undergraduate, and graduate) and 262 professionals from businesses, non-profits, and municipalities.

70% of eligible CyberTrust SOC student employees found full-time employment with private or public organizations.

31 entities, including 27 municipal entities, received SOC services (cybersecurity assessments and/or Managed Detection and Response [MDR] services).

23 students from 10 academic and workforce training organizations were employed as CyberTrust SOC employees.

5 CyberTrust SOC student employees earned Security+ certifications.

VIEW OUR HIGHLIGHTS POST

The Massachusetts Cybersecurity Mentorship Program

The Cybersecurity Mentorship Program provides opportunities for diverse Massachusetts undergraduate college students to learn about careers in cybersecurity and develop their professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals.

Now in its 10th cohort, the program is seeking mentors and students to help promote the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce in Massachusetts.

Applications for the spring 2025 cohort are open until Monday, February 17.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Municipal Cybersecurity in focus at Connect 351 Conference

In January, MassCyberCenter Director John Petrozzelli led a workshop centered around municipal cybersecurity at the Massachusetts Municipal Association Connect351 Conference. The workshop, titled, "Navigating Cyberthreats: Empowering Municipal Executives," featured an overview of key cybersecurity threats facing municipalities and the resources available to help mitigate and defend communities.

Upcoming Events

Massachusetts cities and towns will join the MassCyberCenter for the fifth annual Massachusetts Municipal Cybersecurity Summit on Thursday, May 8 in Worcester, MA. At this free cybersecurity training event, attendees will learn how to recognize emerging threats, bolster defenses, and respond to cybersecurity challenges.

Attendees will increase their cybersecurity awareness by:

Hearing about the latest cybersecurity threats targeting municipalities;

Discovering the latest information on cybersecurity programs and strategies; and

Attending collaborative workshops.

Registration will open soon. For more event details or to be added to the MassCyberCenter’s mailing list, please contact masscybercenter@masstech.org.

LEARN MORE

In the News

Why a Boston cybersecurity unicorn is hiring in Boston while rivals move jobs offshore

Boston cybersecurity startup Snyk, plans to hire 250 new employees in the Boston area.

READ STORY

FTC Warns of Fake Toll Road Text Phishing Scams Around U.S.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about phony text messages sent to residents about supposed tolls they owe. The surge in SMS spam has been linked to increased activity by foreign bad actors.

READ STORY

On Social Media

Healey-Driscoll Administration Visits BSU Cyber Range

Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll visited the Bridgewater State University (BSU) Cyber Range in January to promote the benefits of Cyber Ranges and how they prepare students with the skills to combat cybersecurity threats.

VIEW POST

Cybersecurity Opportunities in Massachusetts

BROWSE THE JOBS BOARD

Trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage

Connect

Follow to stay informed about the

Mass Cyber Center and the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem.