Polinela and U.S. Consulate Collaborate on Cybersecurity Training: “Securing Critical Infrastructure”

---

The Information Technology Department of Politeknik Negeri Lampung (Polinela) collaborated with the U.S. Consulate for Sumatra to host an International In-House Training with the theme “Securing Critical Infrastructure.” This event took place in the Polinela Multipurpose Building on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The U.S. Consulate for Sumatra, located in Medan, serves 10 provinces across Sumatra, covering a population of approximately 55 million people. The consulate’s jurisdiction includes Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Bengkulu, Lampung, Riau, Bangka Belitung, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

Polinela welcomed Beau Woods, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of Stratigos Security from the United States, as the keynote speaker. Stratigos Security is a consulting firm that advises large corporations, small businesses, and NGOs on information security strategies and development.

The training was aligned with advancements in digital technology. Information and communication technology has become an integral part of daily life, influencing work, education, and entertainment, all of which heavily rely on the internet and digital devices.

The Head of the Information Technology Department, Dr. Ir. Septafiansyah Dwi Putra, IPM, ASEAN Eng., stated, “This initiative started as a program within one study program and was then expanded to include all study programs, fostering a spirit of collaboration to create greater opportunities.” He emphasized that this event is a significant part of the department’s internationalization efforts. He also expressed his gratitude to all the committee members involved, particularly the academic community of JTI.

Bernard Uadan, a senior official from the U.S. Consulate in Medan, highlighted the importance of education and training in cybersecurity to maintain stability and security in the digital age. “The U.S. Consulate fully supports this initiative and looks forward to continuing collaboration with Polinela to enhance cybersecurity capacity in Indonesia,” he said.

During his session, Beau Woods discussed effective strategies for protecting cyber infrastructure. “Strategic protection of cyber infrastructure is crucial to prevent attacks and potential losses,” he explained.

This event aimed to provide students with new insights into the importance of securing critical infrastructure and maintaining safety and security in an increasingly connected digital era.