University of Mary to Host CISA Region 8 Cybersecurity Training for Industrial Control Systems

Four-Day Event Positions University of Mary as a Leader in Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development 

BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary has been selected as the host site for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Region 8 Cybersecurity Training for Industrial Control Systems, a prestigious four-day training event that will take place from Tuesday, March 4, 2025, through Friday, March 7, 2025, in Founders Hall at the Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC). Training sessions run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

This high-level training is crucial for professionals tasked with protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and will draw hundreds of cybersecurity and industrial control system (ICS) professionals from across CISA’s Region 8, which includes CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY. Participants will gain hands-on experience and industry-leading expertise on how to defend operational technology (OT) and ICS environments from cyber threats. 

“The University of Mary is proud to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to host this vital cybersecurity training,” said Tanya Taplin, assistant professor of cyber defense and program director for cybersecurity at the University of Mary. “We are living in an era where foreign adversaries strategically target the very backbone of our daily lives—our energy grid, water supply, transportation, and information technology. A comprehensive, all-hands-on-deck approach is imperative to safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure and most vulnerable assets.” 

Training Overview & Registration Details

This free cybersecurity training is designed for IT and process control network operators, engineers, emergency managers, supervisors, and security personnel responsible for managing critical infrastructure (CI) assets and facilities. Participants must register in advance at the CISA Virtual Learning Portal. Travel and meal expenses are the responsibility of attendees. 

Participants must bring a laptop (no tablets) with wireless capability and a minimum of 8GB RAM. Required software installations include a VMware® software virtualization package (Workstation, Player, or Fusion). Students must have administrator privileges on their laptops to install necessary applications. 

Planned Courses: 

• Introduction to Control Systems Cybersecurity (101) 

• Intermediate Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems (201/202) 

• CyberStrike: Hands-on Workshop to Defend an OT Cyber Attack 

For additional information, contact ICSTraining@inl.gov or visit https://www.cisa.gov/ics-training-calendar. 

University of Mary: A Rising Leader in Cybersecurity

The University of Mary has built a national reputation in cybersecurity education, offering an NSA and DHS-recognized Center of Academic Excellence (CAE-CD) in Cyber Defense. Led by a team of faculty with 55 years of combined industry experience, the university’s Cybersecurity Administration program in the Gary Tharaldson School of Business stands out for its hands-on approach and commitment to developing cybersecurity professionals equipped to tackle today’s threats. 

“What sets our program apart from other colleges and universities is our practical, hands-on curriculum,” said Matt Frohlich, assistant professor of cyber defense at the University of Mary. “Our faculty members have real-world cybersecurity industry experience, and they bring that expertise into the classroom to prepare students for high-demand careers in the field.” 

University of Mary’s expert faculty includes:

• Dr. Kevin Fishbeck, professor and director of Computer Information Systems, with 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, holding multiple industry certifications from Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, and others. He also operates Fishbeck Technology Consulting, serving small businesses with cybersecurity solutions. 

• Tanya Taplin, Mary alumna and assistant professor and program director for cybersecurity, with 20 years of IT and cybersecurity experience, including time as a security advisor for the federal government. She holds multiple industry certifications and is a North Dakota InfraGard member and NICE Cybersecurity Career Ambassador. 

• Matt Frohlich, also a Mary alumnus with 15 years of extensive expertise in cybersecurity engineering, computer networking, and systems administration. 

“Having this sort of training on campus shows that the University of Mary is committed to cybersecurity excellence and that we are a valued partner in the cybersecurity community,” added Frohlich. “We are proud to help equip both industry professionals and our students with the knowledge and skills they need to defend critical infrastructure from cyber threats.” 

University of Mary Students to Gain Hands-On Experience

As part of the university’s commitment to bridging education with real-world application, a select group of upperclassmen from Mary’s Cybersecurity program will be handpicked by Taplin to participate in the training, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience alongside industry professionals. 

A Call to Action: Join the Fight Against Cyber Threats

This event underscores the University of Mary’s position as a leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development. With the escalating cyber threats targeting America’s critical infrastructure, this training provides an urgent and essential opportunity for professionals to strengthen their defensive capabilities. 

“The risks posed by our adversaries to U.S. national and economic security are immediate,” added Taplin. “A strong defense is built before the battle begins. This training will empower professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to defend and protect our nation’s most critical infrastructure.” 

The University of Mary encourages all eligible professionals in CISA’s Region 8 to register and participate in this four-day cybersecurity training event. 

For more information about University of Mary’s Cybersecurity Administration program, visit their webpage.