May 1, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Dakota State University.

Dakota State University and the Hetherington Group, or Hg, have entered into a new partnership that will leverage the strengths of both entities to provide training opportunities to a broader audience.

Hg and DSU have worked together previously with the Cyberskills2work program, which features open-source intelligence, or OSINT. This program from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Safety is the collection, analysis and dissemination of information that is publicly available and legally accessible, used by governments agencies, businesses and nongovernmental organizations.

“Through this program, we have trained hundreds of first responders, law enforcement, military personnel and spouses of military in the important field of open-source intelligence and dark forensics,” said Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, vice president for research and economic development at DSU.

Ryan Arendt is a former student in this course.

“To say I was excited to start this course is an understatement,” he said.

The eight-week course began with basics, but “soon you find yourself running at the speed of light, and it’s a rush for anyone excited about OSINT.”

Dakota State and Hetherington Group presented an OSINT workshop at the recent Women in Cyber Security, or WiCyS, conference, with Cynthia Hetherington, DSU graduate student Katie Shuck, DSU staff members Dr. Arica Kulm and Dr. Ashley Podhradsky. Also attending was Chloe Podhradsky.

He praised course instructors Cynthia Hetherington, the founder and CEO of Hg, and William Mechler.

‘They guide you on your journey of becoming a better OSINTer and investigator,” he said.

Arendt is an Army veteran who transitioned from an armor crewman to systems and cybersecurity careers after his military service.

“As you learn new search techniques and tools, you’re building and honing your skills and processes week after week,” and the case no longer is a simple name but an obsession, he said.

“I am truly a better OSINTer for having this experience and virtually meeting my fellow OSINTers in the class,” he said. “My heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes out to Cynthia Hetherington and her team, and most importantly to William Mechler.”

Arendt offers high praise for the original program, but Podhradsky said that “with this new agreement, we will do even more together.”

The new agreement allows the partners to expand capacity, enhance capability and further establish them as nationally recognized cyber innovation experts. This will take place through non-degree trainings for commercial clients utilizing a workforce framework for cybersecurity, or N.I.C.E. framework. The partners also will create an undergraduate OSINT certification program and pursue grants and other funding sources for additional opportunities.

Hetherington Group and Dakota State have long been partners. Cynthia Hetherington was an invited guest speaker for an awards event in 2019.

“This partnership not only widens the accessibility of Hg’s expert-led program, it also integrates them with the university’s robust, academically accredited online platform,” Hetherington said. “Together, we are committed to setting a new standard for OSINT education, ensuring learners have access to a clear, comprehensive and academically sound learning experience.”

This training can provide a pathway to career advancement and personal growth for many in the career field, empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely and effectively.

Dakota State University is recognized within the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations as an institution with a commitment to excellence in cyber education.

Hg has more than two decades of expertise as a leader in investigative due diligence, corporate intelligence and cyber investigations. The company is headquartered in Wanaque, New Jersey.