URI named center of academic excellence in cybersecurity

By Rebecca Keister
PBN Staff Writer

KINGSTON – The University of Rhode Island was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, URI announced Friday.

The designation provides certification that URI’s coursework and degrees in cybersecurity education meet important industry standards and NSA/DHS requirements.

“This award highlights the University’s expertise and influence in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity education,” said David M. Dooley, URI president.

“Cybersecurity is one of the most critical issues facing us today and researchers here are leading the way,” he added.

URI’s Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center is a multi-disciplinary program that encompasses the resources of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and the office of information technology.

It was established in 2004 with a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation and concentrates on research, services, and consulting in digital forensics, information assurance, and cybersecurity.

The university’s cybersecurity symposium is being held at the Kingston campus May 2, featuring digital forensics experts, leading authorities on computer network security and U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin.

“Under the continued outstanding leadership of President Dooley, I am confident that URI will use this designation to strengthen protections for Americans against cyber threats and create jobs in our state,” said Langevin.