A full list of the information needed for the Ambassador Cybersecurity Investigator badge.
Info Needed for Step 1 badge requirements: A cyber attack can severely disrupt a city’s operations. For example, a ransomware attack can lock access to data until a ransom is paid. Stoplights might fail, causing traffic chaos, and emergency services like police or firefighter communications could break down, delaying responses. Citizens might be unable to pay parking tickets or taxes online, and city courts would resort to slower paper processes for trials. Systems monitoring water safety could shut down, endangering public health. Cyber attacks on municipal governments are increasingly common, often causing widespread chaos due to their limited cybersecurity resources compared to private companies, which makes them more vulnerable to these disruptions.
Info Needed for Step 2 badge requirements: Hackers often work in secret, looking for ways to break into computer systems or trick people into giving them valuable information. Sometimes they work together to plan attacks, using codes or methods like steganography to communicate. Steganography involves hiding secret messages in everyday content, such as emojis or images, making it difficult to detect. Only those who know where to look can uncover these hidden messages. Cybersecurity professionals investigate these digital clues to identify suspects and understand how attacks happen, helping protect against future crimes.
Info Needed for Step 3 badge requirements: Cyberattacks can leave victims with a difficult decision: whether to pay a ransom or attempt recovery through other means. Ransoms are frequently demanded in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are stored on a public ledger called a blockchain and valued for their anonymity and untraceable nature. Paying a ransom carries significant risks: A) It doesn’t guarantee that access to data will be restored. B) It may fund illegal activities or support future cybercrimes. C) It can encourage attackers to continue using these methods against others. Choosing not to pay also has challenges: A) Recovering data without the encryption key can be costly and time-intensive. B) There is no certainty that all data can be restored. When facing a cyberattack, individuals and organizations must carefully consider these pros and cons. The decision requires weighing immediate needs against long-term risks.
Info Needed for Step 4 badge requirements: Security log files keep track of all security-related events in a network. Cybersecurity experts study these logs to spot anything unusual and understand how an attack occurred. By analyzing these files and solving the case, we learn ways to better protect from future attacks.
Info Needed for Step 5 badge requirements: Preventing attacks protects personal and organizational data from theft, misuse, or damage. For cities and organizations, it prevents financial loss and ensures essential services remain operational. Cyberattacks target weaknesses in systems, networks, and people. Strong passwords, regular updates, and cautious behavior are key to protection. Common methods include phishing (fake emails), malware (viruses), and DDOS attacks (overloading systems). Learn to identify suspicious links, attachments, or requests for personal information. Humans are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Regular training helps people recognize scams and protect accounts and devices. Use tools to prevent attacks: Firewalls: Block unauthorized access. Antivirus Software: Detect and remove harmful malware. Encryption: Secures data so it’s unusable even if stolen. Incident Response Plans: Prepares organizations for quick and organized recovery. Software updates fix security flaws hackers could exploit. Always keep devices and systems up to date. Restrict access to sensitive information. Only people who truly need it should have it. Consult with experts as cybersecurity professionals are vital in detecting threats and creating secure systems.
The Badge Archive 