Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
|
|
Extension Communications |
12/19/03
Contacts:
Doug Jacobson, Engineering, (515) 294-8307, dougj@iastate.edu
Lynette Spicer, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-1327,
lspicer@iastate.edu
ISU Prof., Certificate Target Cyber Crime
AMES, Iowa -Doug Jacobson, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Iowa State University, is determined to defeat computer hackers.
Computer hackers cost U.S. businesses more than $200 million every year by ravaging corporate computer security systems, according to the 2003 Computer Crime and Security Study. All too often, the study said, these hackers outsmart advanced systems that have cost companies millions, and the odds of catching hackers are not good. Hackers commit such cyber crimes as the theft of proprietary information and the spreading of destructive computer viruses, to name a few.
Jacobson is the director of the ISU Information Assurance Center. Information assurance is a term that covers the confidentiality and integrity of information. For the past two years, Iowa State has put Jacobson's expertise into action by offering the Certificate in Information Assurance. The certificate program shows students how to stop hackers by improving their company's or organization's computer security systems to the point that hackers can no longer penetrate them.
What makes this program especially appealing to cyber information professionals around the country is that it can be completed without ever stepping foot on campus. Courses are offered over the Internet, creating flexibility for students. Six certificates have been awarded so far, and 16 students currently are enrolled in the program.
The certificate program is designed for information technology workers who want to gain extra knowledge and extra credentials related to this problem that affects every business, large or small. According to Jacobson, "Any company connected to the Internet will be attacked. Attackers are constantly looking for systems to attack, focusing on systems with weakness and vulnerabilities. The Internet is like the Wild West and there is no sheriff in town."
Iowa State's Information Assurance Center has been designated as one of seven charter Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the National Security Agency (NSA).
"Most of our students have been in the work force for a number of years," Jacobson said. "They either already have a master's degree or are not interested in a full master's program. The certificate program allows them to take some core courses without having to invest so much time. Students get what they need for their careers and can put the information to work immediately."
Casey Reynolds, a May 2003 certificate recipient who now works for Lucent in Colorado said, "I would recommend this program to anyone. It was completely virtual." Reynolds went on to say, "Being a certificate holder from a school as well known for this as Iowa State has definitely made me more saleable."
Jacobson said, "There is a shortage of computer security workers and the job market is good for those with a security background. Often workers can get a better job with this certificate either with another company or within their own company."
The Certificate in Information Assurance consists of four computer engineering graduate-level courses. Details are on the Web at www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/degree/infoassurance.htm.
-30-
ml: state