Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Soon-to-be grad loves the ‘whole picture’ of cyber operations

Justin Henry, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, loves looking at the big picture when it comes to cybersecurity.

Henry, an Augusta native, enrolled at Augusta University in 2018, following his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was first intrigued by the field of cyber operations, thanks to his fellow Marines showing him the ropes of what they did during their service.

While Augusta University didn’t have a cyber operations program when he initially enrolled since it wasn’t created until 2019, Henry started his time at Augusta University as a computer science major.

“With my security background, I’ve definitely been interested in the ‘whole picture,’” he said.

To Henry, cyber operations is the best of both worlds of computer science and cybersecurity. Contrary to popular belief, computer science and cybersecurity are two different disciplines. The cyber operations degree program blends both disciplines into one program. That’s what Henry loves the most about it.

“With computer science, the focus is ‘what can I make a computer do?’ When it comes to cybersecurity, the focus is ‘what can I make a network do?’” said Henry. “Cyber operations is a perfect blend of both disciplines.”

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the theme this year is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The 2021 theme is meant to empower individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.

To be cyber smart this month — and beyond — Henry advises to never assume a website you’re on is safe. Always approach a website with a bit of skepticism.

Back in 2004, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in an effort to help all Americans become more secure online.

“As we get more and more connected to the internet, this field is only going to become more relevant,” Henry said. “It’s not going away at all, probably ever.”

Henry is working with Dr. Hoda Maleki on a medical information research project this semester. The researchers are analyzing how to facilitate the sharing of medical information with providers who need it, while simultaneously coming up with a way to identify if there is a breach in the system. Maleki said she appreciates how Henry fully invests himself into his work.

“Justin consistently meets and often exceeds my expectations for him,” said Maleki. “He invests himself in the work, which resulted in significant progress on our research.”

In his spare time outside of school, Henry loves to spend time with his family.

While Henry has put his name out there for some job opportunities, he said life post-graduation is likely going to include going back to school. Down the road, he is interested in a master’s program, if not a doctorate as well — likely at Augusta University.