Indiana University named National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recently named Indiana University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research for the years 2008-2013.

NSA had previously named IU a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for its ongoing commitment to the protection of digital information from hackers and other Internet-savvy troublemakers.

According to the NSA, securing cyberspace presents a difficult strategic challenge, and information assurance education is a critical component in successfully meeting that challenge.

"IU is one of a handful of universities in the United States to receive both Center of Academic Excellence awards," said Indiana Law Professor Fred H. Cate, who also serves as director of the IU Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research. "The twin designations recognize how integrally related research and teaching are in IU's quest to enhance information security, and the fact that we are the only institution to address not only the scientific and technological aspects of cybersecurity, but legal, policy, and behavioral aspects as well."

Universities designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through both the Federal and Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Programs.

"The award is a tribute to President Michael McRobbie's vision for the role of this university in making our nation's information infrastructure more secure and to the breadth of IU teachers and researchers focused on this critical challenge," said Cate.