University of Virginia named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
By Steve Weddle
The University of Virginia’s School of Engineering has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“This certification is a great distinction for our university and showcases our dedication to the cyber security curriculum,” said Dean of the School of Engineering Craig H. Benson.
The program, which was established to promote training of professionals with cyber defense expertise, places UVA Engineering as a leader in the field of cyber security. The goal of the program, jointly sponsored by DHS and NSA, is to reduce the threat to our national information infrastructure by partnering with institutions that display a commitment and proficiency in cyber defense.
Ahmed Ibrahim, a University of Virginia computer sciences assistant professor who led an 18-month effort to attain this designation for UVA Engineering, said that meeting the stringent criteria established by DHS and the NSA shows what a leader the university has become in cybersecurity. “This designation highlights the continued commitment UVA has to all aspects of information technology, from operating systems, to cryptography, to preventing cyber attacks.”
Yonghwi Kwon, an assistant professor in the Computer Science Department, who was recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant for cyber security research, agrees. “Attacks are increasing in scope and severity, targeting emerging smart devices,” he said. “This program will allow our university to continue essential research into cyber forensics and software systems security.”
While the stated goal of the program is to protect the nation from cyber attack, the faculty, staff, and students at the university will also benefit.
Kevin Skadron, chair of Department of Computer Science, explained that the designation will “allow students to have access to a greater number of cyber security experiences. This will also position our graduates with the particular knowledge and experience to excel in the cyber security workforce.”
The cyber defense program will also have broad implications. “Protecting our nation from cyber attacks is essential to our safety, as our society relies on computer systems for critical services such as transportation, communication, power, defense, and finance,” said Jack Davidson, a professor in the Computer Science Department and the director of the Cyber Defense Program of Study.
The NSA and DHS’s National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) designation to UVA extends through 2023.
