SPOTLIGHT

The National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security has renewed Indiana University’s designation as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Systems Security Education for 2012-2017.

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” said National Security Agency Information Assurance Technical Director Neal L. Ziring in a letter to the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR), which helps to lead Indiana University’s cybersecurity efforts. “The Presidents’ National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace and the International Strategy for Cyberspace address the critical shortage of professionals with these skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace.”

Founded in 2003 by IU President Michael A. McRobbie—then the university’s vice president for information technology—CACR offers national leadership in applied cybersecurity research, education, and policy guidance. CACR was awarded its first five-year “center of excellence” designation in 2007. Its re-designation as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education means CACR will continue as a formal partner in national efforts to enhance the safety and security of networks and computers over the next five years.

The NSA has also designated Indiana University a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research for 2008-2013, making the university one of 36 organizations nationally—and the only one in Indiana—to be awarded both designations.

Distinguished Professor Fred H. Cate, director of CACR, credited McRobbie’s vision and support for the center.

“President McRobbie created a cybersecurity research center that is now internationally known for its innovative work in the rapidly evolving field of information security,” Cate said. “It is because of his foresight and continuing commitment to enhancing information security in Indiana and around the globe that Indiana University has been able to become a premier academic resource in the fight to secure data and infrastructures.”

In the last five years CACR has sponsored a wide range of cybersecurity research; provided policy advice to the White House, Congress, federal agencies, and industry; launched “Security Matters,” an educational online video series to help educate the general public on cybersecurity issues; and hosted numerous conferences and workshops ranging from an annual information security summit to a workshop this month led by Congressman Todd Young (R-9th Ind.) on information security for military families.

CACR is affiliated with IU’s Pervasive Technology Institute and works closely with its partner organizations at the university: CLEAR Health Information, the Maurer School of Law, the Kelley School of Business, the School of Informatics and Computing, REN-ISAC, the University Information Policy Office, and the University Information Security Office.