MADISON, Wis. (Nov. 21, 2024) — Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman, Deputy Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and industry during a keynote address at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.
Speaking at the first-ever USCYBERCOM Tech Talk hosted at an academic institution, Hartman praised the university’s commitment to advancing cyber education and research, and discussed the growing role of partnerships in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
"People and partnerships are the most important assets we have," said Hartman, "The talent we are building today in schools like the University of Wisconsin-Madison will shape the future of our cybersecurity workforce."
Hartman also expressed appreciation for UW-Madison’s involvement in USCYBERCOM's Academic Engagement Network (AEN), a partnership that aims to bridge the gap between the military and academic research to address cybersecurity challenges.
Established in 2022, the AEN includes over 130 universities and colleges nationwide, fostering collaboration through initiatives like the Cyber Research and Education Conference (Cyber RECon) and faculty workshops. As a founding member of the AEN, UW-Madison plays a key role in helping USCYBERCOM address its most pressing challenges.
“We’re not only building partnerships, we’re building the next generation of cyber leaders,” Hartman said, noting that UW-Madison is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to cultivate a workforce capable of addressing the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber threats.
Highlighting the importance of workforce development, Hartman acknowledged the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent, particularly in highly competitive and technical career fields. He also shared stories of military personnel who have made significant contributions to cyber defense, showcasing the diverse and specialized expertise within USCYBERCOM's ranks.
The event marked an important step in the ongoing collaboration between USCYBERCOM and academic institutions, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and development to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats. "Our adversaries are ever-present, but they aren’t invincible," he said, pointing to the critical role of shared knowledge and collaboration in creating resilient cyber defenses.
“We live in a dramatically changing world where no one working in isolation will have everything they need to respond to emerging threats,” Hartman said. “The advantage will go to those best postured to work in collaboration with others.”
Read more about U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network here: https://www.cybercom.mil/Partnerships-and-Outreach/Academic-Engagement/