U.S. DOE Grant Supports Cyber Security Certificate Program

U.S. Department of Education Awards Congressionally-directed Grant to Armstrong Atlantic State University Cyber Security Research Institute For Masters Level Cyber Security Certificate Program

(September 5, 2008) The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $272,161 grant to the Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) Cyber Security Research Institute (CSRI) for the development and implementation of their new Cyber Affairs and Security Certificate Program. The funding was secured with help from Congressman Jack Kingston, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, and U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who recognized the immediate need for education in this field.

"This funding will go a long way toward providing educational resources for those who are learning to protect our technological infrastructure," said Chambliss. "Our security environment continues to change and requires that we continue to adapt in order to meet our security needs. I commend everyone at Armstrong Atlantic State University for their commitment and innovation as we educate those who will serve in our workforce in various cyber security-related capacities."

"The threats to our national security, businesses, and individuals posed by cyber crimes are unprecedented," Congressman Kingston said. "The work being done at Armstrong will prepare its students to address these threats. Each day Americans and our government are attacked via the Internet and these students will fill an ever-present and ever-growing need for trained professionals."

"With the growing prevalence of cyber crime and its impact on the security of our nation, this funding will go a long way towards training the professionals needed to deal with this emerging threat," Senator Isakson said. "Im pleased that Armstrong Atlantic State University will be a leader in this important and cutting-edge field."

The certificate program is the first step in AASU's CSRI Education & Training Initiative designed with the ultimate goal of developing a formalized masters and bachelors of Cyber Affairs and Security. This funding is critical to the success of the program and comprises approximately eighty percent of the initial budgetary need with the other twenty percent of the funding coming from the state, secured with help from Georgia Representative Burke Day, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and other nongovernmental sources.

The certificate program, developed in conjunction with the College of Liberal Arts, Department of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science, will begin offering the new certificate program in Cyber Affairs and Security this fall. The first course, titled "Assessment of Steganography Tools," begins on October 15 with additional course offerings scheduled to begin in January 2009. The courses will be offered at AASU's Cyber Security Research Institute on the Armstrong Atlantic campus with subsequent courses offered on-site as well as online.

The master's level certificate program will consist of three courses or 9 credit hours designed to give students a unique opportunity to conduct research and to study cyber security issues utilizing state of the science technology. The program is designed to offer advanced professional development for law enforcement agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and private industry.

Established in 2006, AASU's Cyber Security Research Institute is one of only a handful of similar institutes across the country that provide undergraduate and graduate education in cyber security. The institute helps to advance the tools, technologies, and methodologies relevant to cyber security, information assurance, computer forensics, and Internet-related investigations.

"The Cyber Security Research Institute Education & Training Initiative at Armstrong Atlantic State University provides students and working professionals with the practical skills and education to meet the nation's growing demand for cyber security professionals," said Randy Grubb, CSRI's executive director. "Our goal is to produce a more educated cyber security professional with expertise not only in technology, but also law enforcement, policy, and cyber forensics in order to effectively overcome the threats and vulnerabilities that face our nation today."

For further information about AASU's Cyber Security Research Institute or to register, call 912.344.3002. Additional information about the CSRI can be found at www.cybersecurity.armstrong.edu or by email request at cybersecurity@armstrong.edu.