What's Happening?
The Walt Disney Company is offering a Cybersecurity Intern position for Spring 2027 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This full-time, 100% onsite internship, lasting from January to June 2027, is open to current college/university students at junior
level or higher, majoring in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity. The intern will work with the Disneyland Attractions Operational Technology (AOT) Cybersecurity and Attraction System Support teams. Responsibilities include generating documentation for attraction security, such as network diagrams and wiring diagrams, installing and configuring operating systems on PC-based control systems, troubleshooting PC-based software and hardware, and providing timely communication on project status. The role requires familiarity with cybersecurity principles, firewalls, security management, and industry-standard tools like VMWARE and SIEM.
Why It's Important?
This cybersecurity internship at Disneyland highlights the increasing importance of digital security within the entertainment and theme park industry. As technology becomes more integrated into attraction operations, protecting these systems from cyber threats is paramount to ensuring guest safety, operational continuity, and data integrity. The internship provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a complex, real-world environment, contributing to the security of critical infrastructure. For The Walt Disney Company, investing in such programs helps cultivate a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals, addressing the growing demand for expertise in this field. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to leveraging innovative technology while safeguarding its assets and maintaining its reputation as a global leader in entertainment.
What's Next?
The selected intern will work closely with the Manager of Cybersecurity Engineering, gaining practical experience in a critical operational area. The internship's focus on attraction security, including network diagrams, system patching, and troubleshooting, indicates a proactive approach to cybersecurity within Disney's theme parks. Candidates must possess strong technical skills in Windows and Linux operating systems, cybersecurity principles, and familiarity with various security tools. The program also emphasizes soft skills such as strong organizational abilities, multitasking, and effective communication. This structured internship aims to prepare future cybersecurity professionals for the unique challenges of securing advanced operational technologies in a high-profile entertainment setting.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of a cybersecurity internship specifically for Disneyland attractions reflects a broader industry trend where operational technology (OT) security is converging with traditional IT security. As theme parks increasingly rely on interconnected digital systems for ride operations, show controls, and guest experiences, the attack surface expands, making them potential targets for cyber threats. This internship signifies Disney's recognition of the need for specialized expertise to protect these unique OT environments, which often have different security requirements and vulnerabilities compared to standard IT networks. The program could serve as a model for other entertainment and critical infrastructure sectors, emphasizing the importance of hands-on training and specialized knowledge in securing complex, real-world systems against evolving cyber risks.
