Washington, D.C. - Calling all cyber defenders of the energy sector! Expand your cybersecurity knowledge by applying for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Operational Technology (OT) Defender Fellowship 2024 Cohort.
What is the OT Defender Fellowship?
DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) launched the OT Defender Fellowship in 2020 in collaboration with DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and with support from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD) Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI). The year-long fellowship is a unique, tailored, and highly selective training and education program in which participants expand their understanding of key federal cybersecurity policies, roles and responsibilities, public and private collaborative programs, and themes.
“The OT Defender Fellowship program is a training ground for skilled professionals seeking an edge in the current and future cyber risk landscape," said Puesh Kumar, Director of CESER. “The opportunity to learn from experts at the top intelligence and national security agencies while connecting with peers facing similar challenges and threats, sets this program apart as a unique workforce development platform."
Who can apply?
The OT Defender Fellowship is open to middle- and senior-level employees at asset owner-operators in the U.S. energy sector, including electricity, oil, natural gas, and renewable energy companies. Previous participants included energy sector asset owners and operators from organizations across the country. About 15 applicants will be selected to participate.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Through the program, participants gain a greater understanding of the OT threat landscape and strengthen their ability to defend critical energy infrastructure. There are four in-person sessions throughout the year, including a scenario-driven capstone exercise. Fellows will network with peers and cyber experts in U.S. government departments and agencies, including:
* Department of Energy (DOE)
* Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
* Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
* Office of the National Cyber Director (NCD)
* National Security Agency (NSA)
* Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
* Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
* U.S. Secret Service (USSS)
* Other federal agencies and congressional experts
How do I apply?
Learn more about the program and how to apply for the OT Defender Fellowship at https://otdefender.inl.gov/. Applications close September 30.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response