We interviewed Denisa Grigoriu and Edward Bousfield, interns helping GCA develop Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT), about their work, thoughts on new technologies, and plans.
Why is a tool like ACT important, and how have you contributed to it?
DENISA: ACT is important not only because it lets organizations discover and use a multitude of security tools within their business, but also because, at its core, ACT safeguards the lives and families of those who work for and support these organizations. During my time with ACT, I worked on classifying cybercrimes into a taxonomy, gathering tools and resources to aid cybercrime victims, and developing a chatbot that integrates the taxonomy and resources to support victims to the fullest extent possible.
EDWARD: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it easy to get left behind. ACT lets individuals and organizations of any size learn about and adapt to changes in the cybersecurity landscape. ACT is essential to ensure that society can access up-to-date information to counter advancing cyber threats. I am glad to have not only contributed to pre-existing work for ACT but also created new means of communicating this knowledge to those who need it through our ACT chatbots.
How do you see the future of the Internet, and what are its most pressing needs?
DENISA: Currently, it serves as a space for building connections, running businesses, offering entertainment, and much more, but what comes next is anyone’s guess. This makes it hard to predict what security risks might be around the corner, and figuring out new ways to protect people online is a challenge we’ll have to tackle together.
EDWARD: It’s easy to become pessimistic about the future of the Internet given the advancement of AI, evolving cyber threats, and geopolitical instability. However, I believe the Internet will continue to drive innovation and communication, bringing people together across the world. Not only is the digital world composed of many individuals with different perspectives but so are the threats to our security. Therefore, people must come together across communities and disciplines to implement new safeguards, protections, and security measures. This is exemplified through GCA’s work, which helps ensure that everyone gets the support they need to secure our digital ecosystem.
What do you dream of personally and professionally, and how has GCA helped you along that path?
DENISA: I dream of working in an environment where I know my actions can make a positive difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just one person each week. GCA has not only helped me take a step closer to that dream but has also given me a real sense of the kind of collaboration, work ethic, and passion it takes for an entire team to achieve that impact en masse.
EDWARD: After completing my degree, I aim to use my knowledge of cybercrime and intelligence to enhance global security, both in the physical and digital worlds. GCA has provided me with unique insights into cybercrime response and recovery, as well as how to communicate technical information to the public effectively – skills that I will carry into future roles. In addition, GCA has provided invaluable experience working internationally, a must-have for anyone looking to work in a global context.
