The George Washington University has several experts available to discuss various cybersecurity topics throughout National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, including privacy and cybersecurity risks in a COVID-19 world, election information security, and cybersecurity as it relates to terrorism and homeland security.

Connie Uthoff
Associate Program Director, GW Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management Program

Connie Uthoff has written and lectured extensively in areas of national security, international relations and cyber concerns. She has participated in and led cyber tabletop exercises in the U.S and Europe and coordinated and presented cyber training in Spain to members of their Cyber Command. Ms. Uthoff can discuss:

  • Cybersecurity and COVID-19
  • Election information security
  • Corporate security

Note: Ms. Uthoff recently wrote an article for U.S. Cybersecurity Magazine on cybersecurity and COVID-19.

Scott White
Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Director, GW Cybersecurity Program 

Scott White is a criminologist with an accomplished career in security. He was a commissioned officer with the Canadian Forces Military Intelligence Command (Department of National Defence) and worked for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Additionally, he has consulted with federal, state, provincial and municipal police services in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Dr. White can discuss:

  • Cybercrime
  • Infrastructure protection
  • Cybersecurity and terrorism
  • Ransomware attacks on school systems, especially during COVID-19 remote learning
  • Training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals 

Adam Aviv
Associate Professor of Computer Science

Adam Aviv has broad research interests in the area of cybersecurity and privacy. Most recently, he has focused on topics surrounding human factors in security surrounding mobile devices and authentication, whereby how human choice, perceptions, and actions influence the security of systems. Dr. Aviv can discuss:

  • Mobile authentication and security
  • Network security
  • Useable security and privacy
  • Computer security 

Elaine Lammert
Program Director, Homeland Security Program
Program Director, Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management Program

Elaine Lammert became a special agent with the FBI in April 1986. She worked organized crime, drug and terrorism investigations. Ms. Lammert retired as the Principal Deputy General Counsel, FBI Office of the General Counsel, where she oversaw legal advice in the areas of criminal law, national security, intelligence capabilities, cyber, science and technology, critical incidents and international operations. Ms. Lammert can discuss:

  • Homeland security
  • Cybersecurity and terrorism
  • Public-private partnerships to protect consumer data

Dave Vargas
Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity

Dave Vargas is president of an IT consulting and network integration firm that specializes in network installation, support, security, and training; strategic information systems; and the development of training programs for technical and non-technical audiences. He has worked extensively in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors and often shares his expertise at security conferences and professional meetings nationwide. Mr. Vargas’s current research includes:

  • Security of voice-based assistants
  • Facial biometrics issues
  • Malware distribution via exploit kits
  • Use of cryptocurrencies in the conduct of cybercrime