Ingalls Spring 2023 Intern Review: Elizabeth Gallo

In this Intern Review, we hear from Elizabeth Gallo about what it's like working at Ingalls and what's next in his cybersecurity career journey.

Our Spring 2023 intern cohort has four cyber-hungry interns who’ve joined us from LSUA to learn what it’s like working in a Security Operations Center (SOC). Now that they’ve had a moment to breathe, we thought it was time to conduct an interview to learn about them and their experience inside the SOC at Ingalls! Read on to hear from our amazing intern Elizabeth Gallo.

What have you learned about working within a SOC during this internship?

During my internship here at Ingalls I have learned a lot about cybersecurity, businesses, and working as a team.  When I first started my internship, I did not really know anything about a SOC more than it existed and why. Now I feel that I have a better understanding of what SOC is and how it operates, as well as how the defensive side of cybersecurity works on an internal level rather than only knowing by reading a book. Here I was able to gain priceless hands-on experience.

What has been the most interesting technique you've seen a threat actor attempt?

To me, an interesting attempt I have seen was using IoT, where a threat actor was trying to essentially gain administrative rights in a network through a DVR. I knew about the risk of using IoT devices on a network, but it was very eye-opening to me just how many items in your home or business connect to the internet and are completely hackable. It was interesting learning that it does really happen.

How has this internship influenced your outlook and career path in cybersecurity?

I feel like partaking in this internship has made a significant impact on my outlook in cybersecurity. I have also learned a lot about what I am actually interested in pursuing as my career in the future. Throughout this internship, I have learned that I really enjoy the defensive side of cybersecurity and wish to investigate further pursuits within it.

What are your favorite resources for what's happening in cybersecurity?

Before my internship, I mostly just used the news and the internet to learn about current trends and topics in cybersecurity. It is surprising how much you can learn from word of mouth as far as news goes across the internet, then checking the validity of information on your own. Throughout the internship, I have found I enjoy listening to podcasts about news in the cybersecurity community and will continue to utilize this approach.

What are your upcoming activities/educational goals for the next year?

Some things I hope to accomplish by next year include: getting a comp TIA certification, finding a job in the industry, and continuing to further my growth and education.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to reach a work-school-life balance?

In my free time, I am an avid gamer and enjoy hanging out with friends, family, and my spoiled Basset Hound.

Are you interested in becoming one of our awesome interns? Check out our SOC Intern Yearbook and reach out to our team directly for more details.