Date of Award

3-13-2023

Type

Thesis

Major

Master of Cybersecurity Management

First Advisor

Linqiang Ge

Second Advisor

Florence Wakoko-Studstill

Third Advisor

Yesem Kurt Peker

Abstract

Internet-connected devices are ubiquitous, and our built environment allows us to tap into formerly impossible solutions. As our world increasingly depends on technology to operate, one demographic cannot gain exposure to internet-connected devices or web-based educational programs: incarcerated individuals. The Department of Justice reports that 5 out of 6 State Prisoners are arrested and returned to prison within nine years of their initial release. Research shows that education is a pathway to reducing the U.S. prison population. Individuals who participated in any educational program are 43 percent less likely to return to prison.1 Prisons in the United States often partner with local organizations to provide job training and certification to incarcerated individuals, but few offer technical-vocational skills. Many programs rely exclusively on a partnership with a local college or lack the knowledge base to teach computer networking. By utilizing Docker containers to provide secure and isolated computerbased training, currently incarcerated individuals can increase their education beyond teacher-led classroom instruction. Providing computer access in prison presents significant security and accessibility challenges. The NIST Risk Management Framework implements proven cyber security access frameworks that help prevent unauthorized use. This study shows that combining robust cyber security frameworks with isolated Docker containers running the ToyNet learning suite helps break the cycle of recidivism among individuals incarcerated across the United States.

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