A new partnership between William Jewell College and private cybersecurity firm Hilltop Technologies is protecting schools and companies from cyberattacks worldwide.William Jewell students are gaining hands-on experience at a real-world cyber defense company while preparing for their future careers.Former CIA operations officer and Jewell alumnus Nick Gicinto leads Hilltop Technologies along with Jewell Unlimited Executive Director Conner Hazelrigg.The partnership idea began last year after Jewell experienced its own cyberattack.Gicinto consulted with William Jewell on recovery strategies, eventually forming Hilltop Technologies. The company protects William Jewell, other higher education institutions, and small and medium-sized companies.Gicinto also serves as William Jewell’s chief information security officer and a cybersecurity professor.“We can make it really hard for a thousand other schools to be hit if we can provide protection that they can actually afford,” he said.Students receive paid internships at Hilltop Technologies in addition to credit for classes during the school year.William Jewell student …
