NDSU has been recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research. The award was presented April 24 during the 2019 CAE Executive Leadership Forum in Pensacola, Florida.
The recognition will aid NDSU’s educational and research activities in the cybersecurity field. With more than 300,000 open jobs nationwide – or more than 30 percent of all available positions – cybersecurity graduates are in demand.
NDSU is leading the state’s efforts in cybersecurity through the NDSU Institute for Cyber Security Education and Research within the Computer Science Department.
Cybersecurity research activities at NDSU are extensive, ranging from answering questions of system trust and privacy, to algorithm development for intrusion detection, to solving cybersecurity challenges related to robotics and drones.
"Being recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security is a key validation of the importance of the work being performed at NDSU,” said Jeremy Straub, assistant professor of computer science and associate director of the institute. “It shows that we are performing research that is important at a national level.”
Through the award, NDSU gains access to resources available through the two federal agencies. There also will be increased opportunities for communications and collaboration with federal researchers, related to cybersecurity topics.
"It's exciting to be at the forefront of cybersecurity education and research. It's an area of tremendous need in terms of workforce development. There is a great need for cybersecurity programs,” said institute director and department chair Kendall E. Nygard. “I am pleased that our offerings provide valuable opportunities for student success.”
The NDSU Department of Computer Science offers a 12-credit graduate certificate in cybersecurity as well as an option in cybersecurity as part of its master’s and doctoral programs in both computer science and software engineering. NDSU also offers a focus on cybersecurity education within its computer science doctoral program, designed to help respond to the shortage of skilled university-level instructors across North Dakota, the upper great plains and nationally. In addition, NDSU offers a departmental recognition in cybersecurity at the undergraduate level.
The department also operates a National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates program in cybersecurity and National Security Agency and National Science Foundation-sponsored GenCyber camps for high school students. Research and educational activities are conducted in a 1,200-square-foot dedicated cybersecurity facility within the Quentin Burdick Building on the NDSU campus.
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