Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things

Starting Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
Application Deadline: Friday, June 7, 2024
Program Duration: 5 months
Information Session: Wednesday, June 05, 19:00

Calling All Young Cybersecurity Talent: Join Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things!

The Internet of Things (IoT) boom is creating a critical need for secure development practices. New regulations are mandating SbD (Secure by Design and Secure by Default) for connected devices, making expertise in IoT SbD highly sought-after by employers and ensuring compliance for developers.

If you're interested in cybersecurity and SbD development of connected devices, then this bootcamp is a great fit.

Microsoft Innovation Center, and Pinsights LLC in partnership with CyHub Armenia - EIF Cybersecurity Initiative and Advanced Research Center project are happy to announce the launch of the Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things. Join us for a one-of-a-kind program that will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in this field. This bootcamp is offered entirely free of charge. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity! Join us on 05 June at 7 PM to learn more about the details of the course. We will send the recording of the information session to the applicants who applied after information session.

About Pinsights

Pinsights is a strategic and management consulting firm specialized in digital transformation initiatives. Pinsights supports its enterprise customers and their executives navigate the uncharted and uncertain domains that the emerging technologies enable, helping them unravel threats and opportunities.

About the Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things

Secure-By-Design Bootcamp for IoT consists of three main components, delivered in three distinct stages:

Components:

Reference Reading/Viewing Material: Participants will receive a curated set of weekly readings and video materials, including research documents, vetted web articles, and online tutorials from reliable sources.
In-Person Class Sessions: Weekly in-person classes 3 times a week (120 minutes each) will be held from June 17th to August 30th, covering specific course content. Each one of the 120 minute class sessions will require an additional 120 pre-read and study time, hence students will be required to allocate and commit to a minimum of 12 hours per week, for the Secure-by-Design Bootcamp.
Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Development: Hands-on development of a PoC demo will take place between August and September. This stage is designed to apply the SbD concepts and technological solutions learned throughout the Bootcamp.

Stages:

In-Person Training & Tutorial Sessions (June - August): Participants will start with intensive in-person training, focusing on foundational and advanced cybersecurity concepts and practices.
Design and Development of a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) (August - September): Participants will use the knowledge gained in Stage 1 to design and develop a PoC, applying Secure-by-Design and Secure-by-Default principles.
Demo and Presentation Evaluation (October/November): The Bootcamp will conclude with a demo and presentation evaluation process, judged by a panel of experts. This will include a TRA/PEN Testing evaluation to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place.

Bootcamp Timeline:

Information Session: 05 June, 2024 at 7 PM. We will send the recording of the information session to the applicants who applied after June 1st.

Test: 10 June, 2024 (30 of the highest-scoring applicants will be invited to participate in interviews)

Interview: 11- 13 June, 2024 (Out of the 30 interviewed, 16 will be selected to participate in the bootcamp)

Acceptance/rejection letters: 14 June (The agreement will be attached to the email, allowing students time to review it before attending the first class on Monday 17th of June, with signed agreement).

Throughout the project, selected candidates will be engaged in additional activities such as research programs. These activities support the bootcamp's aim to empower young talent and professionals seeking upskilling opportunities in cybersecurity. The program’s content is aligned with current market and regulatory requirements, such as the US CISA SbD, UK DCMS PSTI, and EU ENISA CRA standards. The Curriculum of stages 1 & 2 is presented here.

Who can be the participant of Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things?

We seek dedicated individuals eager to establish their careers in cybersecurity and embedded systems development. Alongside a deep passion for the field, we are specifically looking for candidates who:

Are 17 years old and above
Possess a foundational understanding of computer science, coupled with a strong grasp of basic networking concepts
Demonstrate an intermediate level of proficiency in English
Are prepared to make a commitment to a 5 months intensive program

If you meet these criteria and are ready to contribute your best to the dynamic field of cybersecurity and IoT development, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

First, you'll go through a testing and interview process to be selected. Once admitted, you'll dive into a 4-month program filled with in-person classes, hands-on projects, group collaborations, and interactions with industry professionals. To succeed, plan on dedicating significant time to self-study and project work alongside your scheduled sessions.

What do we guarantee and why to participate?

By participating in our Secure-by-Design Bootcamp for the Internet of Things, you can expect:

Valuable Knowledge: Gain in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, technologies, and industry practices that are in high demand in today's job market.
Practical Skills: Develop practical skills through hands-on projects and PoC development, ensuring you are well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges in embedded system security.
Creative Working Environment: Enjoy a stimulating and creative working environment where innovation is encouraged, fostering a dynamic learning experience.
Professional Connections: Build meaningful connections with professionals in the field and Armenian cybersecurity and IT companies, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and potential career advancement.

How to apply

Only 16 individuals who pass both the test and interview will be chosen to participate. If you're interested in applying, make sure you're committed to the challenge and complete the application by 07 June, 6:00 PM.

How much is the tuition?

The bootcamp is offered free of charge, supplemented by a 15,000 AMD scholarship. Students meeting specific academic criteria and standards will have the opportunity to earn extra rewards based on their performance.