Fall 2026 Intern - Cybersecurity & Data Governance

C4ADS Internships • Columbia, WA

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About The Position

C4ADS seeks a Cybersecurity and Data Governance Intern for Fall 2026. This role offers hands-on exposure to applied cybersecurity, GRC (governance, risk, and compliance), and IT operations within an organization that analyzes global illicit networks. The intern will work directly with the Head of Cybersecurity and Head of Data to assess C4ADS against security frameworks, research data governance practices, and develop internal documentation.

Requirements

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
• Strong written communication skills; able to translate technical findings into clear documentation
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working independently
• Discretion in handling sensitive organizational information
• Authorized to work in the US; C4ADS does not sponsor work authorizations for interns

Nice To Haves

• Experience in international affairs, journalism, open source intelligence (OSINT), or national security

Responsibilities

• Framework identification and selection: Research and recommend cybersecurity frameworks appropriate to C4ADS's size, threat profile, and mission, summarizing tradeoffs and justifying the best fit.
• Security assessment: Conduct a gap assessment against selected frameworks, mapping current controls, identifying deficiencies, and prioritizing remediation.
• Data governance: Research and evaluate data governance frameworks, producing phased recommendations for implementation at C4ADS, covering data classification, retention, access controls, and stewardship.
• IT support documentation: Draft and standardize internal IT and support documentation, including onboarding/offboarding procedures, troubleshooting runbooks, software/access request workflows, and a knowledge base.

Benefits

• Direct mentorship from the organization's security and IT lead
• A portfolio of real deliverables (assessment report, governance roadmap, documentation library)
• Practical experience applying frameworks to a live operating environment
• Stipend of up to $9,600 per semester

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed