LEADING THE CHARGE
Wilmington University offers two degree
programs in cyber security: a B.S. in Computer
and Network Security and an M.S. in Information
Systems Technology – Information Assurance.
For its advancements in the field, the University
has been named a Center for Academic
Excellence by the National Security Agency and
the Department of Homeland Security.
“When there’s a crime commi ed and there’s
digital evidence that needs to be obtained, you
need to be able to get that evidence legally
and follow proper procedure, and you have to
understand the law,” says Hufe, who is currently
pursuing his doctorate in Organizational
Leadership. “The other aspect of it is protection.
You want to keep the bad guys out and protect
your data.”
Hufe was charged with transforming the
University’s computer security programs to fit a
more modern market back in 2004.
“Because the university is so agile, we were
able to build this from the ground up,” he says.
“At other schools, in order to implement a new
program, it can take two years. We were able to
do it in just a fewmonths.”
That’s not to say the programwas cobbled
together haphazardly, though. Hufe says the
University already saw a need for the program
and had determined what it should look like
before the approval process began.
As a result, participation in the program
and its associated activities has been growing
significantly each year.
The tabletop exercise in March was just one
of several initiatives Wilmington University is
taking part in as a leader in the cyber security
front. It hosted the annual ‘B-Sides’ Conference,
which is the culmination of a community-driven
network that allows information security
professionals and enthusiasts to meet, share
information and discuss security issues. It also
serves as an opportunity for the University’s
CNS students to network with practitioners and
learn more about the field.
Members of the Cyber Wildcats club
participate in a cyber security competition.
PHOTOS BY SUSAN GREGG
WILMINGTON UNIVERSIT Y MAGAZINE