Cherokee Sheriff's Deputy Completes Cybersecurity Course

CANTON, GA — Cherokee sheriff's deputy Benjamin Botzong recently completed a 15-week online cybersecurity course from the University of Louisville and earned a Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate.

The training Botzong received can be used for both community cyber protection and investigation, as well as department cybersecurity, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office said. Botzong, who has been with the sheriff's office since 2008, is assigned to Uniform Patrol, but will be transferred to the Computer Forensics division at the end of the year.

“Cybersecurity is an area of national priority,” said University of Louisville President Neeli Bendapudi. “Through the combined efforts of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, University of Louisville is helping to provide the skills necessary for law enforcement agencies of all sizes to combat cybercrime.”

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The training, funded by a research grant from the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, is part of University of Louisville’s Cyber Security Initiative.

It reflects the need for an expanded cybersecurity workforce as detailed in the recently announced DHS National Cyber Strategy and President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13800, “Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure.”

Photo: Benjamin Botzong. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office