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Editor’s note: This article contains plot spoilers.
Society’s understanding of technology and cybersecurity often is based on simple stereotypes and sensational portrayals in the entertainment media. I’ve written about how certain scenarios are entertaining but misleading. Think of black-clad teenage hackers prowling megacities challenging corporate villains. Or think of counterintelligence specialists repositioning a satellite from the back of a surveillance van via a phone call.
But sometimes Hollywood gets it right by depicting reality in ways that both entertain and educate. And that’s important, because whether it’s a large company, government or your personal information, we all share many of the same cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. As a former cybersecurity industry practitioner and current cybersecurity researcher, I believe the final season of “Star Trek: Picard” is the latest example of entertainment media providing useful lessons about cybersecurity and the nature of the modern world.
So how does “Star Trek: Picard” relate to cybersecurity?
The show’s protagonist is Jean-Luc Picard, a retired Starfleet admiral who commanded the starship Enterprise-D in a previous series. Starfleet is the military wing of the United Federation of Planets, of which Earth is a member. In Season 3, the final season, Picard’s ultimate enemy, the Borg, returns to try conquering humanity again. The Borg is a cybernetic collective of half-human, half-machine “drones” led by a cyborg queen.
The Borg has partnered with other villains and worked for over a decade to deploy hidden agents able to compromise the DNA data contained in the software underpinning the transporter – a teleportation device used regularly by Starfleet personnel. Over many years, a certain subgroup of Starfleet personnel had their DNA altered by using the transporter.
Thus, in launching their final attack, the Borg is able to instantly activate thousands of “drones” to do its bidding in the form of altered, compromised Starfleet personnel. As Geordi La Forge, the Enterprise-D’s engineer, notes, “They’ve been assimilating the entire fleet this whole time, without anyone ever knowing it.”
Instead of malicious software taking over computers, the plot involves malicious genetic code taking over humans.The Borg’s prolonged, stealthy infiltration of the federation is indicative of how today’s most effective cyberattackers work. While it’s relatively easy to detect when hackers attempt to breach a system from the outside, experts worry about the effects of an enemy infiltrating critical systems from within. Attackers can put malicious code in software during manufacturing or in software updates, both of which are avenues of attack that do not arouse suspicion until the compromised systems are activated or targeted.
This underscores the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of digital supply chains from product development at the vendor through product deployment at client sites to ensure no silent “drones,” such as malware, are waiting to be activated by an adversary.
Equally important, “Star Trek: Picard” presents the very real and insidious nature of the insider threat faced by today’s organizations. While not infected with a cybernetic virus, recently arrested Massachusetts Air National Guard airman Jack Teixeira shows the damage that can occur when a trusted employee has malicious intent or becomes co-opted and inflicts significant damage on an employer.
In some cases, these compromised or malicious individuals can remain undiscovered for years. And some global adversaries of the U.S., such as China and Russia, are known for taking a long-term perspective when it comes to planning and conducting espionage activities – or cyberattacks.
“Synchronistic technology that allows every ship in Starfleet to operate as one. An impenetrable armada. Unity and defense. The ultimate safeguard.”
With these words, humanity’s military defenders activated a feature that linked every Starfleet vessel together under one unified automated command system. While intended to serve as an emergency capability, this system – called Fleet Formation – was quickly hijacked by the Borg as part of its attack on Earth. In essence, Starfleet created a Borg-like defense system that the Borg itself used to attack the federation.
Here, the most well-intentioned plans for security were thwarted by enemies who used humanity’s own technologies against them. In the real world, capabilities such as on-demand real-time software updates, ChatGPT and centrally administered systems sound enticing and offer conveniences, cost savings or new capabilities. However, the lesson here is that organizations should not put them into widespread use without carefully considering as many of the potential risks or vulnerabilities as practical.
But even then, technology alone can’t protect humans from ourselves – after all, it’s people who develop, design, select, administer and use technology, which means human flaws are present in these systems, too. Such failings frequently lead to a stream of high-profile cybersecurity incidents.
To counter the Borg’s final assault on Earth, Picard’s crew borrows its old starship, Enterprise-D, from a fleet museum. The rationale is that its ship is the only major combat vessel not connected to the Borg collective via Starfleet’s compromised Fleet Formation protocol and therefore is able to operate independently during the crisis. As La Forge notes, “Something older, analog. Offline from the others.”
When a network has been compromised, it’s important to be able to use systems that aren’t connected to the network.From a cybersecurity perspective, ensuring the availability of information resources is one of the industry’s guiding principles. Here, the Enterprise-D represents defenders in response to a cyber incident using assets that are outside of an adversary’s reach. Perhaps more important, the vessel symbolizes the need to think carefully before embracing a completely networked computing environment or relying on any single company or provider of services and connectivity for daily operations.
From natural disasters to cyberattack, what’s your plan if your IT environment becomes corrupted or inaccessible? Can your organization stay operational and still provide necessary services? For critical public messaging, do governments and corporations have their own uncorruptible Enterprise-D capabilities to fall back on, such as the fediverse, the decentralized microblogging platform that is immune to the impulsive manipulations of Twitter’s ownership?
The “Star Trek” universe explores the unknown in both the universe and contemporary society. How the crews deal with these experiences relies on their training, the appreciation of broad perspectives and ability to devise innovative solutions to the crisis of the week. Often, such solutions are derived from characters’ interests in music, painting, archaeology, history, sports and other nontechnical areas of study, recreation or expertise.
Similarly, as modern digital defenders, to successfully confront our own cyber unknowns we need a broad appreciation of things beyond just cybersecurity and technology. It’s one thing to understand at a technical level how a cyberattack occurs and how to respond. But it’s another thing to understand the broader, perhaps more systemic, nuanced, organizational or international factors that may be causes or solutions, too.
Lessons from literature, history, psychology, philosophy, law, management and other nontechnical disciplines can inform how organizations plan for and respond to cybersecurity challenges of all types. Balancing solid technical knowledge with foundations in the liberal arts and humanities allows people to adapt comfortably to constantly evolving technologies and shifting threats.
Dystopic metaphors in fiction often reflect current social concerns, and the “Star Trek” universe is no different. Although rooted in a science fiction fantasy, “Star Trek: Picard” provides some accurate, practical and understandable cybersecurity reminders for today.
Season 3, in particular, offers viewers both entertainment and education – indeed, the best of both worlds.
Richard Forno, Principal Lecturer in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Oliver Santos 
"After a chaotic gap year for my personal and professional life, I have decided to attend University of Maryland this upcoming fall (2023) as an English M.A. student with a focus on poetics, fully funded by an assistantship at the university's Center for Literary and Comparative Studies. While I am still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do, my interests lie in the organizational and introspective power of poetry. Specifically, I want to engage with contemporary poets in how this genre of writing, long regulated as a pretentious art piece or a very academic form of creativity, is the most flexible medium of writing of all and has been used for decades by many queer and/or BIPOC in community building, mutual aid, and interrogating one's own identity. UMBC's diverse and supportive community allowed me to find a home with other writers, especially the slam poetry community, and I hope to foster connections in the same areas in the fall."
"I am excited to announce that I will be a student at Goucher College this fall, in the MFA in Creative Nonfiction program. I will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to compose a 150-page manuscript during my two years in the program. I will also complete residencies in Baltimore and New York focusing on editing and publication. All of these aspects of Goucher's program will empower me to achieve a writing goal: publishing a memoir about my Asian identity (work that began in UMBC's English Honors Program!) I also hope to gain experience teaching through a graduate assistantship at Goucher. My pursuit of an MFA has been made possible by the care and support of the UMBC English faculty -- thank you eternally!"
]]>By: Rae Daniel
I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing my co-worker and former UMBC MCS student Dakota Boodhoo. While attending UMBC, Dakota was able to get an internship at a BCPL library through MCS 404, and after graduation he continued in the library career path, where he eventually ended up back at UMBC, not as a student, But as an AOK Library worker! What goes around, comes around. He and I talked about His journey, and the integration of MCS in his daily work life.
Rae: How did you transition from a major in Media and Communication Studies to a career in a library? What inspired you to make that transition?
Dakota: I was uncertain about my career direction after completing my Media and Communication Studies degree. However, I landed an internship at BCPL Pikesville Branch library and found it to be a rewarding experience. With time, I gained more knowledge and eventually pursued a career in libraries. It wasn't an easy journey, but I take pride in taking an unusual career path.In fact the internship was the one I used for my MCS internship and I found out that I could use this degree in the field to become a digital media library specialist.
R: Was Media and Communications Studies your first choice of major?
D: Yes, I chose Media and Communication Studies as my major because I've always been fascinated by the power of media to shape our understanding of the world. I'm particularly interested in the role that media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing social change. I have been studying commuincations since I was in middle school my magnet program was Mass Communications. I have never left it and last May received my Master's in Organizational Communications.
R: In what ways do you see your media and communications background as an asset in your current role, and how have you leveraged those skills to enhance your work?
D: With a background in Media and Communication Studies, I excel at effective communication with others. My skills allow me to make a positive impact on society and convey my ideas clearly. I have to deal with students and community members from all backgrounds. In order to be successful you must communicate well.
R: What kind of jobs did you pursue after graduation, and how did you get started in your career?
D: Internships in libraries and job shadowing led me to my career. I enjoyed working with the people and the type of work they did. I spent many years in the library as a visitor and it was my happy place. Working their has been a blast. Also using my degree everyday has also been pretty great.
R: What do you think are some of the key skills and qualities needed to be successful in a library, and how do those compare to the skills and qualities needed in media and communications?
D: As someone with experience in media and communication, I believe that effective communication is a vital skill that can make a positive difference in both fields. The ability to articulate ideas clearly, engage with others, and convey information accurately are all transferable skills that are valuable in both environments. However, in a library setting, attention to detail, organization, and a passion for learning and research are also crucial qualities.Especially in academic libraries.
R: What do you enjoy most about working in a library, and what are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
D: This job can be peaceful and fulfilling, but also comes with challenges like dealing with difficult patrons and staying up-to-date with new technologies. Working with the campus community you enjoy getting to know the students and seeing them grow and mature each semester. It's also kind of sad seeing them graduate but you are happy to see them go fulfill their dreams.
R: What is an underrated genre of books in your opinion?
D: Historical fiction is underrated. It's entertaining, educational, and can be just as gripping as any other genre. It's funny seeing the rise of shows like Bridergton or Queen Charlotte on Netflix they are helping bring attention to the genre.
R: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of being a Media and Communication Studies student, and how have you navigated the field through your college career?
D: MCS was great it prepared me for the real world. Also they expected the best from us and I felt prepared to get my Maste's. Lots of papers and projects but I enjoyed them all. Professor Snyder was the best! I have heard many complain that they just felt like they were just a number at their university in MCS I felt they wanted us to succeed. MCS prepares you for any field it's the best.
R: How do you think libraries are evolving and changing in the digital age, and what do you see as the role of libraries in the future?
D: Even with the rise of technology, libraries still have an essential role in providing access to information and promoting literacy. In the future, libraries will adapt to meet the needs of a digital society while maintaining their commitment to equitable access. Libraries will be a hub for lifelong learning, fostering a love of reading, critical thinking skills, and supporting the community's educational and cultural needs. In the academic world libraries are a safe place where students can always come together and study. During the pandemic we missed seeing students together the library always provides a place to do it.
R: What advice do you have for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the library field, especially if they come from a different academic background?
D: If you're determined to pursue a career in the library field, especially if you come from a different academic background, it's crucial to start by researching the various roles and responsibilities within the field. Taking courses or workshops to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as information management, literacy and education, and community outreach is highly recommended. In addition, volunteering at a local library can provide invaluable experience and insight into the daily operations of a library. Moreover, networking with professionals in the field can help you gain a better understanding of the industry and potential career opportunities. Remember, libraries play an essential role in society, and your skills and passion can make a significant difference in promoting equitable access to information and literacy. Find out which type of library that interests you they have public, private and academic libraries. Find your specialization, there is someplace for everyone.
By: Sophia Blackwell
Photo Credit: Ashley Harper Cottrell
Meet Graham Whaples, a UMBC Alumni, ‘19, MCS & American Studies, as he talks about his fond memories at UMBC as an Athletics Broadcaster for the Retrievers and gives some advice for current MCS students.
His fondest memory as a Retrievers Athletics Broadcaster: “The relationships I was able to build with all of the coaches and Athletics Department staff, especially the student-led Broadcast Team. Not only have I continued to keep those relationships alive, but I've actually used those relationships in my current position. UMBC's Retriever Soccer Park has served as a host for professional soccer teams for practices that we've hosted over the years, and I've found myself working with the Athletics Department staff on planning, site visits, and other operations that go into logistics and planning.”
Graham is a Project Administrator at Maryland Stadium Authority, Marketing and Communications Group with Maryland Sports Commission. A typical day for him consists of the “regular administrative stuff: responding to emails, Zoom meetings and conference calls, etc.... However, our department is also outward facing, so that means I also get to attend conferences and tradeshows (in state and out of state), I do site and venue survey's and visits, attend sporting events and other events not related to sports, meet with potential partners in the Baltimore-Metro area and across the state.”
Graham gives advice for students at UMBC pursuing sports broadcasting: “Sports and sports broadcasting are very competitive industries but there are more jobs in sports than a lot of people might think. If you're in college, start with the university athletics department. It's a great way to get invaluable skills and experience. I've moved away from broadcasting just because it is such a grind and hard to juggle with having young kids, but I'm still able to work in the sports industry through sports tourism in my current position with the Maryland Stadium Authority/ Maryland Sports Commission.... so I'm lucky in that I've been able to find something that I truly enjoy doing.”
His future goals would be “playing some kind of role in getting the NFL Draft and MLB All Star Game to Baltimore. We work closely with Visit Baltimore, the Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Baltimore, and hosting the NFL Draft in Baltimore is definitely on their radar, as it is for us at the Maryland Sports Commission.”
By: Louna Temsah
Photo Credit: Chloe Love Obispo
Meet Chloe! A UMBC MCS and softball alumni. Chloe discusses new career opportunities and her current roles after graduation.
Could you tell us about yourself ?
I graduated from UMBC in 2022 with a B.A. in Media and Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UMBC, I interned as a Social Media Manager for the UMBC Division of Professional Studies and interned in Sports TV Broadcasting for UMBC Athletics.
Ever since I began my studies in Media and Communication Studies, I realized how much of a "big picture" thinker I am and how much I love when a brand has a strong foundation in who they are, what they provide, what they embody, and how they project that in their storytelling. After realizing this, I knew that I wanted to take my shot at a career that allowed me to work for big name brands.
After graduating UMBC, I began my entry-level career as a Marketing Coordinator at Live! Entertainment and Hospitality Districts at the Waterside District location in Norfolk, VA. More recently, I just finished a project with the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and landed a new position as Marketing and Communications Manager at DICK'S Sporting Goods - House of Sport.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day in my life as a coordinator was weekly meetings with the marketing team, which included conversations about upcoming events and concerts coming up and how we can creatively market and promote those events through our channels.
After meetings, we break up into who is working on what. When you work in the entertainment industry, there's a lot of things happening continuously, so it's extremely important to communicate duties, divide, and conquer!
After figuring out which projects are mine, I begin market research and industry trend research, brainstorming content ideas for social media, creating email marketing campaigns, brainstorming sales building offers, and outreach to local businesses.
Also, day-of events are super cool! We'd have a large-scale of about 2,000 people and some that are small with about 100 people. Working those events like concerts, food festivals, and more are extremely fun and rewarding to see all of your planning unfold!
What is it that you do now and what is your role?
I am finishing up my role as a Marketing Coordinator at Live! and am transitioning into my new role as Marketing and Communications Manager at DICK'S Sporting Goods - House of Sport where I will be in charge of all-things marketing and promotions for the brand and partnered events.
If you could go back to the time you came into UMBC as an MCS major, is there anything different you would do?
If I could go back to that time, I definitely would have started my MCS major a lot earlier. I was someone who was extremely indecisive and made decisions based on other peoples' vision for my career versus what I actually wanted for myself.
Starting MCS 2 years later ultimately set me back and I had to play catch-up for a little, but the grit and determination to be great in the field is what got me to where I am now.
How has MCS been of help towards your career?
Media and Communications has allowed me to become the professional I've always wanted to grow into. Before changing my career path to it, I was an extremely shy, reserved, and soft spoken individual with a lot on her mind with no way to express it. As I've said, I am a "big picture" thinker, so being able to switch to a more creative space as a career has allowed me to really grow into a strong writer, speaker, creative, innovative forward-thinker, and storyteller.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far definitely has been this past weekend- we had 2 sold out large events in one weekend and we couldn't be more proud of the work we put forth to drive so many sales and bring revenue to our District!
Not only that, but the opportunity to start a new position with a big brand that I truly love and grew up on is an exciting feeling for me. Also, being able to really network and build my portfolio/resume with incredible experiences has been great. I think that every little step is a new highlight and I just have continued successful visions for myself and the brands that I build and represent. I just can't wait to have more career highlights in the future!