On June 14, The National Security Agency and The Committee on National Security Systems presented Valencia College with an award certifying that Valencia’s Cyber Security curriculum meets the 4013 national training standards for systems security administrators.
The award was presented during the 15th Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education, held at the National Museum of United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
The certification attests to the caliber of Valencia’s program, and also gives its students a competitive edge in the job market. Many employers within the cyber security industry, especially those within the government, prefer applicants who have been trained in accordance with national standards.
Launched in fall 2010 with a grant from the National Science Foundation, Valencia’s Cyber Security and Digital Forensics program is offered as a specialization through its Computer Engineering Technology Associate in Science degree.
The specialization trains students to build secure computer networks and defend enterprise-level networks against cyber threats and exploits. Graduates are prepared to work as firewall analysts, digital forensics analysts, penetration testing professionals, network security specialists, computer security specialists and in related occupations.
There is an ever-growing demand for these types of positions as computer systems, and the cyber attacks launched on them, become more advanced. To provide students with avenues toward advanced positions within the field, Valencia plans to develop a bachelor’s degree program within Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
In the meantime, Valencia will extend its current grant from the National Science Foundation for another year. In addition to funding the creation of the Cyber Security and Digital Forensics specialization, the grant funds outreach efforts such as cyber security forums, workshops at the Orlando Science Center and camps for middle and high school students.
Photo Caption: (From left to right) Nasser Hedayat, Dean of Architecture, Engineering and Technology, Valencia College; Peggy Maxson, Director, National Cybersecurity Education Strategy, Department of Homeland Security; Howard Schmidt, Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Cybersecurity Coordinator; Gaby Hawat, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Dean for Economic Development, Valencia College; Wael Yousif, Professor and Program Chair of Computer Engineering Technology, Valencia College; Cheryl Roby, Chief of Staff, Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration/Department of Defense Chief Information Officer.
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