Cyber Patriot Standard Camp

From June 10 to June 14, 2024, I participated in Gannon University’s Cyber Patriot Stannard Camp. I stayed overnight in the dorms, learned a lot, and had an incredible time.

How I Found Out About the Camp

Towards the end of the school year at Erie County Technical School, my teacher mentioned the camp to our class specializing in computer programming. Intrigued, I signed up and received scholarships to join both the standard and advanced camps.

My Experience Rating

The camp was fantastic, earning a solid 10/10 from me! During class time, I learned a great deal about Windows 10, Linux, and cybersecurity, which I’ll discuss in more detail later. The variety of activities we engaged in outside of class, such as visiting an amusement park, bowling, arcade games, escape rooms, mini-golfing, and more, added to the overall enjoyment. Although some meals were absolutely delicious, others were bland and repetitive. Additionally, while the first instructor was not very effective in explaining the reasons behind our actions, the second professor, Mr. TK, was phenomenal. He ensured everyone was on the same page and showed great care for our understanding.

Staying in the Dorms

Most of the overnight campers had roommates, but I was fortunate to have a room to myself, which I really appreciated. The dorm room was pretty spacious and even had a balcony, which was a nice touch. However, the bed was quite small and hard, a stark contrast to the large, comfortable bed I’m used to at home. Despite the bed, the overall living experience was pleasant.

Some Things I Learned

During the school sessions, I delved into a wide range of topics that significantly expanded my understanding of cybersecurity and computer systems.

1. VMware: We learned about VMware, a virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This concept was fascinating because it enables efficient resource use and testing different environments without needing separate hardware. We practiced setting up and managing virtual machines, which is crucial for creating isolated testing and development environments.
2. Cyber Ethics: Understanding the ethical implications of cybersecurity was a major focus. We discussed the importance of ethical behavior in the digital world, the consequences of unethical actions, and the responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals to protect user data and privacy.
3. Malware Types: We explored various types of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. We learned how each type of malware operates, its potential damage, and methods to detect and remove them. This knowledge is essential for protecting systems from malicious attacks.
4. Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing: We studied different social engineering attacks, such as phishing (email scams), smishing (SMS scams), and vishing (voice call scams). We learned how to identify these attacks, their common tactics, and how to educate users to prevent falling victim to them.
5. Securing Windows 10: We spent considerable time understanding the security features of Windows 10. This included configuring security settings, managing user accounts and permissions, implementing group policies, and using tools like Windows Defender. We also practiced responding to potential threats and securing the system against common vulnerabilities.
6. Linux Security: In addition to Windows, we explored securing Linux systems, particularly using Ubuntu. We learned about file permissions, user management, firewall configuration, and basic shell scripting to automate security tasks. Understanding both Windows and Linux security is crucial since both operating systems are widely used in different environments.
7. Understanding Cybersecurity Concepts: We delved into key cybersecurity concepts such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. We discussed how these technologies work together to protect data and networks from unauthorized access and attacks.

At the end of the camp, I was awarded a certification in cybersecurity, recognizing my participation and the knowledge I gained during the program.

Activities After Class

Since I stayed overnight at the camp, we had plenty of activities to keep us entertained after class. We visited an amusement park, played arcade games, solved escape rooms, enjoyed mini-golf, and even went on a pirate ship! These activities allowed me to bond with other students, leading to many new friendships. Some of us became so close that we are now pen pals. Additionally, we spent time in the dorms talking and playing pool, which my new friends taught me how to play.

After class Escape Room!

The Last Day and the Competition

Oddly, I was extremely nervous on the last day of camp because of the competition that tested everything we had learned. My stomach hurt badly, but the staff were very supportive and encouraged me. Despite having competed in scarier events before, I felt unusually anxious that day. During the competition, I initially felt lost but quickly found my rhythm. Even though I had no prior knowledge of cybersecurity before attending the camp, I ended up having a blast. I listened to music while working through the tasks, and I completed everything within the three-hour time limit.

Conclusion

Attending the Cyber Patriot Stannard Camp at Gannon University was an unforgettable experience. I gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity, made lasting friendships, and enjoyed a variety of fun activities. The combination of rigorous academic sessions and engaging extracurricular activities made this camp a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment. Despite some minor inconveniences, like the small and hard bed, the overall experience was highly positive. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in my future endeavors.