News Summary
Rhode Island College has received official recognition from the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This achievement reflects RIC’s commitment to cybersecurity education, paving the way for increased federal funding and enhancing its curriculum. The college’s computer science program, including a cybersecurity minor, aims to prepare graduates for future digital challenges, while the upcoming IBM Cyber Range will provide practical training facilities.
Providence, Rhode Island — Rhode Island College (RIC) has been officially recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. This prestigious designation, announced during a special on-campus event on Monday, acknowledges RIC’s commitment to meeting rigorous standards in cybersecurity education.
The NSA’s recognition not only enhances RIC’s reputation, but it also opens doors to increased federal funding opportunities through the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. This financial support will be instrumental in advancing the college’s cybersecurity initiatives.
The specific program at RIC that has received this designation is a Bachelor of Arts in computer science, which includes a minor in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity major, which was introduced after the minor, is set to be eligible for NSA recognition by 2026. This progressive timeline highlights the institution’s ongoing dedication to expanding its cybersecurity curriculum.
RIC President Jack Warner stated that the recognition solidifies the college’s standing as a “gold standard for cybersecurity education.” He emphasized the essential role of this program in equipping graduates with the skills necessary to address future digital challenges effectively.
The cybersecurity minor is housed within RIC’s Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, which officially launched in 2023. This initiative aims to enhance the state’s capabilities in cybersecurity by shaping a skilled workforce ready to tackle emerging threats.
The announcement event featured several notable attendees, including former U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, who chairs the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, along with Rhode Island’s congressional delegates and Governor Dan McKee. Langevin’s early advocacy for cybersecurity education and resources in government was acknowledged, illustrating his longstanding commitment to this pressing issue.
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner highlighted the importance of preparing a workforce capable of defending against potential cyber threats from nations such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This sentiment underlines the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity education and workforce development in the current global landscape.
RIC’s NSA designation comes on the heels of recent approval for bond spending, which allocates $73 million for improvements at both RIC and the University of Rhode Island. This funding will specifically facilitate the transformation of Whipple Hall into a specialized facility for the Institute. This space will accommodate a new IBM Cyber Range designed for practical training simulations, significantly bolstering hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Construction of the new facility is projected to be completed by the beginning of the next academic year, marking a significant step forward in providing students with state-of-the-art resources for cybersecurity training. Suzanne Mello Stark, the chair of RIC’s Computer Science and Information Systems department, remarked on how the designation serves as validation for the program and enhances students’ job prospects in the cybersecurity field.
With the NSA designation, RIC students can also participate in the federal Scholarship for Service Program, which offers scholarships, stipends, and valuable work experience within government cybersecurity roles. This opportunity is expected to attract more students to the program and further strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.
The Institute’s director, Douglas Alexander, pointed out the glaring gap in fundamental IT skills among public sector workers compared to their counterparts in the commercial sector. By addressing this gap, RIC’s cybersecurity program aims to provide essential training in network security, preparing students for various roles in both governmental and corporate environments.
Ultimately, the new cyber range facility is designed to enhance collaboration between industry, government, and higher education, fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes cybersecurity readiness in an increasingly digital world.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current
- Wikipedia: Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Dive
- Google Search: Rhode Island College cybersecurity
- Turn to 10
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
- What’s Up Newp
- Google News: Rhode Island cybersecurity breach
- StateScoop
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island cybersecurity
