As identity theft and other privacy issues continue to grow within the online world, more attention is being placed on cyber security.
The University of Memphis is undertaking several educational initiatives to assist in information assurance (IA), hoping to help businesses and individuals alike in preventing cyber crime such as theft and the spread of viruses.
The U of M received accreditation this summer from the National Security Agency for educational training in the area of information assurance. The Center for Information Assurance was implemented to offer courses for certification in cyber security.
“The Center will educate people in computer security, offering courses, training and related activities,“ said Dipankar Dasgupta, a professor in the University’s computer science department. “Whoever takes these courses will know what kind of software is necessary to be used in any situation. When (a student) graduates, they can implement these skills within his or her job, making them very marketable.”
The U of M is the only four-year institution in Tennessee to meet the criteria for accreditation, meeting the security standards designated by the National Security Agency—standards specifying the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to fulfill related duties.
“They accredited (The U of M) to offer these courses, and to be recognized nationally is a big achievement to be a part of,” Dasgupta said.
The courses and training offered are available to any student interested in learning about computer security.
“Anyone interested in this can take these classes to become certified and bring that with them into their (future) jobs,” said Marcy Sanford, the Center’s marketing manager.
The Center plans to help respond to research needs while advancing education on this campus as well as within the region. The institution hopes to continue expanding by offering professional training, employee development and graduate recruitments to local businesses and organizations.
“Computers are constantly changing, and being knowledgeable in that area is necessary in the business world, as well as at home,” said Katie Bell, a sophomore biology major. “(These courses) offer a great opportunity to gain skills as well as a chance to boost your resume.”
The Center is an addition to the Intelligent Security Systems Research Lab, located in the FedEx Institute, Sanford said. Students can find more information by visiting http://cfia.cs.memphis.edu.
