Ramstein members host free cyber defense class

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Chapter 158 recently sponsored a free cyber defense class on Ramstein.

The course, titled, “Fundamentals of Hacking,” was run by HACKINT. The name HACKINT is a combination of the words “hacking” and “intelligence.”

The 10-hour course taught the fundamentals of hacking, such as remotely identifying systems, enumerating a computer network and remotely exploiting computers.

“While primarily offensive sounding in nature, these skills directly correlate to network defense skills critical to our Air Force personnel,” said 1st Lt. Robert Lee, founder of HACKINT and one of two instructors who put on the free cyber course. “I created HACKINT and this course due to the fact that even basic cyber classes can cost thousands of dollars. While those classes are worthwhile there is still a need for local talent to come together to crowd source free education.”

The HACKINT course educated a group of 10 members from five different squadrons around Ramstein. Students began the course with a lengthy discussion on ethics and the legality of hacking. From there they learned how to install and configure common hacking tools, and by the end of the class they were remotely accessing secured Windows-based virtual machines, cracking passwords and taking
screenshots of the accessed computers.

“The class demonstrated how easily hackers can compromise a networked system, solidifying the importance of network defense,” said Senior Master Sgt. Gillie B. Zamora, a student who took the course. “I would recommend this class for anyone who is interested in getting some exposure to the world of cyber.”

When asked about the future of the class, Lee added, “I was really impressed with the feedback from the students and how well they did given that it was the
first time the class was offered. I plan to offer this and other classes on a continued basis and challenge others to get involved in teaching as well. I also want to thank AFCEA Chapter 158 and its members for all of their support as
well as Tech. Sgt. Eric Trombly for being my assistant instructor and technical director throughout the course.”

For more information, visit http://www.KMCAFCEA.org, or to get involved or receive training, visit http://www.HACKINTcon.org.

(by Capt. Tom Hamlyn)