New cyber programs debut in California, Louisiana
Connecting state and local government leaders
Louisiana Tech and the University of San Diego have launched programs to support public-private cybersecurity research and build a cyber-savvy workforce.
Local, state and federal government share the same challenges when it comes to cybersecurity: keeping ahead of the hackers in the IT arms race and recruiting cyber talent to defend systems and help with new initiatives.
Now, universities in Louisiana and California have created cyber initiatives to address both needs.
Louisiana Tech University and the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) have partnered to create the Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI), a non-profit devoted to advancing public-private partnerships to accelerate technology research, development and commercialization in the cyber, energy and resiliency fields. This integration of academia and industry is critical to support the overall “ecosystem” that furthers innovation, creates new businesses, and attracts federal research funding, Louisiana Tech said.
As part of its goals LTRI will help Louisiana Tech and the CIC with obtaining federal research grants and government contracts. Since 2007, the two organizations have received a combined $33 million in research grant money.
Initial LTRI research will focus on cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data, sensors and mobile technology. LTRI will also work with local, state, federal government, members of the cybersecurity industry and private companies to expand educational facilities located within the National Cyber Research Park.
Meanwhile, the University of San Diego announced the creation of the USD Center for Cyber Security Engineering and Technology (CCSET) to prepare the next generation of cyber warriors.
It will combine the strengths of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and USD’s Professional and Continuing Education, to serve individual, corporate, public, private and military stakeholders seeking cyber security education and solutions.
The CCSET will begin operating this summer and will support a master of science degree in cyber security engineering and an online master of science degree in cyber security information technology leadership. These programs will be designed for working professionals and will be taught by USD faculty and cyber professionals.
In addition, the CCSET will also perform research to discover and develop tools to help consumers, corporations, the military and non-profits respond to cyber attacks.
The center also will be a key player in the San Diego region’s efforts to be recognized as the National Center of Cyber Security Excellence, a goal the City of San Diego has established.
“What makes our new center unique is its comprehensive focus on all aspects of cyber security,” said Jason Lemon, dean of USD’s professional and continuing education. “The community can access USD’s cyber security expertise through degree and certificate programs, inviting USD’s cyber experts to participate in projects focusing on the evaluation and development of their own systems and strategies to mitigate cyber threats and developing internal leadership on cyber security IT, cyber security law, forensics and incident response.”
NEXT STORY: How US-CERT gets the word out