Faculty Spotlight Part 2: Amanda Johnson

Amanda Johnson is currently teaching the HACS408L Analytical and Forensic Techniques for Cybersecurity course at UMD and has been working in the Digital Forensics and Incident Response industry since 2015. When she's not analyzing cybersecurity threats or teaching, you can find Amanda designing custom stickers, t-shirts, and greeting cards with her beloved Cricut machine—or cuddling up with her gray and white cat, Dobby, while listening to a good audiobook.

Education and Career

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Digital Forensics with a specialization in Threats and Mitigation, alongside a minor in Cybersecurity. She also earned a Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science, focusing on Encryption and Malware Analysis. During her undergraduate years, Amanda worked as a research assistant in a forensic lab, contributing to research on the security vulnerabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. She was also involved in forensic case work for local law enforcement. Perhaps most notably, Amanda reinvigorated her college’s Digital Forensic Association, where she led weekly lectures on digital forensic topics, organized employer and mentor meetings, and helped the organization design and facilitate several international Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions. In 2019, the CTF Amanda and the DFA created was featured as the unofficial Defcon CTF!

These experiences led her to apply for and receive a prestigious Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship, which helped her secure her current position as a forensic analyst with the Department of Defense, where she’s been working since 2020. Her work involves analyzing devices for important information that ultimately leads to finding and stopping bad actors around the world. "At its core, my work is about solving puzzles," Amanda says. "I love using forensic analytic techniques to tackle cybersecurity challenges and find solutions that can have a real impact."

Why Cybersecurity?

Amanda traces her interest in cybersecurity back to high school, where she was fortunate enough to attend a school with a robust IT department offering technical electives. It was there that she first encountered the world of digital forensics. Amanda was so captivated by the subject that she decided to do an independent study with the director of IT, earning her Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator certification by the time she graduated.

"Cybersecurity and digital forensics are two sides of the same coin," Amanda explains. "They both require similar skill sets, but digital forensics is all about solving puzzles, which I love." This enthusiasm for solving problems is what drives her today, both as a professional and as a faculty member teaching within UMD’s ACES program, where she hopes to help cultivate an analytic mindset within the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

Advice for Students

The best piece of advice Amanda says she’s received came from a mentor who lived by the "ABCs"—Ask questions, Be curious, and Care.

"Those three principles apply to so much of what we do as analysts," Amanda says. "Ask questions from your professors, your peers, and yourself. Don’t be afraid to explore what sparks your curiosity, whether it’s in your coursework or outside of class. And, most importantly, care. Care about the work you do, and the impact it can have. When you genuinely care, it shows in everything you do."

Amanda emphasizes the importance of actively seeking out hands-on opportunities and gaining experience early on. "Take the classes that interest you, work a little harder on your projects, and always look for ways to gain real-world experience," she advises. "It’s those extra efforts that will help you stand out in such a competitive field."

Lastly, Amanda reveals that when she was a student, she wished she had realized that learning never stops. "When I was a student, I thought the finish line was getting that degree," she admits. "But in cybersecurity, there’s no finish line. The industry is constantly changing, and you have to stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant." Amanda encourages students to keep developing their skills, whether that means seeking jobs that offer professional certifications or participating in development programs with employers who are willing to invest in their growth. "Don’t be afraid to take an entry-level position if it offers opportunities to continue learning," she says. "The field will always be evolving, and you’ll need to keep learning in order to keep up."

Conclusion

Looking ahead, Amanda is excited about the future of cybersecurity. She believes the next generation of experts—many of whom are sitting in her classroom today—will be the ones to solve the problems that have yet to be imagined. "Cybersecurity is such a dynamic and innovative field, and we need thinkers who can approach challenges from different angles," Amanda says. "I’m excited to see how my students will shape the future of this field."

Published December 18, 2024