On Nov 12, 2019, a meeting in between Cyber Security Experts from Nepal and Utah Department of Technology Services was held. Cyber Security Experts from Nepal met the representatives from Utah Department of Technology Services to discuss the State’s efforts to combat and deter cyber crime, and how the state is working together with its federal partners to make that a reality.

The State Chief Information Security Officer, Mr. Phil Bates and Chief Technology Officer, Mr Dave Fletcher discussed the State’s vision for a dedicated Utah Cyber Center. The Utah Department of Technology Services works to enable their partner agencies to securely leverage technology to better serve the residents of the State of Utah. They have established four pillars that represent the main areas of focus for the department in order to support our partner agencies with world class technology and excellent customer service. These pillars include: Innovative Technology, Exceptional Customer Service, Employee Success, and Information Security.

On Nov 11, 2019 a meeting at Clark Building at Utah Valley was conducted. The meeting with faculty, staff and students at Utah Valley University’s Center for National Security Studies to discuss U.S. Policy efforts to build a secure and open cyberspace. The role that academic institutions, like UVU, can play in cooperation efforts with federal partners to prevent cyber attacks. You also earn about UVU’s community outreach to students to build a strong group of future cybersecurity professionals and build public awareness around the topic of cyber security. It was fun to receive a tour of UVU’s campus followed by hosted lunch.

Mr. Ryan Vogel and Dr. Gregory Jackson lead the meeting from UVU side with his team. Mr. Ryan Vogel is an assistant professor and the founding Director of the Center for National Security Studies and the academic program at the Utah Valley University.

Dr. Gregory Jackson is Assistant Professor of Integrated Studies and Assistant Director of National Security Studies at Utah Valley.

Utah Valley University (UVU), Center for National Security Studies & Master of Science in Cyber Security: UVU’s Center for National Security Studies provides students with extensive study, discussion, and engaged learning opportunities in the national security field. UVU hosts the only national security program in the State of Utah and aims to prepare its students for in-demand and high-paying jobs in the growing national security sector. You will meet with Director of National Security Studies and former Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Ryan Vogel to discuss U.S. policy efforts to build a secure and open cyberspace and the role that academic institutions like UVU can play in cooperation with federal partners to prevent cyber attacks. You will also hear from Program Director for Cyber Security, Professor Robert Jorgensen about UVU’s academic programs in the area of cybersecurity.

On Nov 11, 2019, a meeting at Salt Lake Chamber, Cyber Security Leadership Council was held to meet a representative of Salt Lake Chamber, Cybersecurity Leadership Council to discuss how the Chamber is educating the business community on the topic of cybersecurity. We discussed and focussed on the Salt Lake Chamber’s Cybersecurity Conference, one of the most renowned Chamber of commerce cyber events in the nation. We also learnt about the chamber’s Launch and Learn series for local business leaders.

The meeting was lead by Mr. Jared Hoskins, Chief of Operation Officer, Strong Connexions. Strong Connexions provides Network and Systems Engineering, IT/IS Network and Software Support, Digital And Accounting Forensics (EnCE, CPA, CFA, CIRA), Unified Communications, CCTV, Cloud Based Door Access Systems etc. Mr. Jared Hopkinsjoined team after 15+ years in the Data Communications Industry. His experience with new and evolving technologies and his keen eye for new business opportunities is a driving force for Strong Connexions and their clients. His passion for business and doing what’s right for their customers and their employees is what makes Jared a major asset to Strong Connexions.

On Nov 6, 2019, a meeting with National Security Council, Washington DC, US, was conducted organized by Ms. Jaisha Wray, Director for International Cyber Policy. One of the agenda was to keep the Cyber Space free from Cyber Crimes and to discuss on cyber security so that we all can collaborate for this common cause. The meeting was was joined by Michael Sahdev Passey, Director for India and the Subcontinent.

The National Security Council (NSC) is the president’s principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security adviosrs and cabinet officials. Since its inception under President Truman, the Council’s function has been to advise and assist the President on national security and foreign policies.

On Nov 6, 2019, a meeting with Palo Alto Networks was conducted to understand kinds of Cyber Security related measures that Palo Alto Networks has been offering all over the world. Ms. Danielle Kriz, Senior Director, Global Policy joined us for this meeting on behalf of Palo Alto Networks, U.S.

Ms. Danielle Kriz serves at Palo Alto Networks, where she is responsible for development and engagement on public policy issues around the world. She has 23 years of technology, cybersecurity, and trade policy experience industry and government.

The U.S. Department of State (also known as Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal) leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity.

The meeting was held with in presence of

• Mr. John H. Gray, Economic Officer, Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs,
• Ms. Alexis H. Haftvani, Nepal and Bhutan Desk Officer, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs,
• Ms. Daniel A. Larson, Foreign Affairs Officer, South and General Asian Affairs.

During the meetings, cyber security related standards and work processes and units in U.S. were explained. Representatives from International Visitors Leadership Program (#IVLP) discussed about all the possible ways in which they could collaborate with US Government to keep the cyber space safe.