Revised March 29, 2002
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Centers Of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance
Education
(Graduate and Undergraduate Levels)
Introduction to the Centers of Academic Excellence
in Information Assurance Education Program |
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Program Information
The National Security Agency issued press releases on
11 May 1999,
14 April 2000,
22 March 2001,
and 8 March 2002
announcing the results of the annual offerings of the Centers of Academic
Excellence in Information Assurance Education Program. Thirty-six
universities have been designated as Centers of Academic Excellence
in Information Assurance Education.
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| The Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) Education
Program is an outreach effort designed and operated by the National Security
Agency (NSA) in the spirit of Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD 63),
the Clinton Administration's Policy on Critical Infrastructure Protection,
May 1998. The program goal is to reduce vulnerability in our National Information
Infrastructure by promoting higher education in information assurance,
and producing a growing number of professionals with IA expertise in various
disciplines. |
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| Authorities |
| The program operates under authority of National Security Decision
Directive 42, National Policy for the Security of National Security Systems,
July 1990, and Public Law 100-235, The Computer Security Act of 1987. |
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| Definition |
| Information Assurance (IA) concerns information operations that protect
and defend information and information systems by ensuring availability,
integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and nonrepudiation. This includes
providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection,
detection, and reaction capabilities. (National Security Telecommunications
and Information Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) No. 4009, January
1999) |
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| Program Benefits |
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Benefits to Academia:
Colleges and universities designated as Centers of Academic Excellence
in Information Assurance Education will receive formal recognition from
the United States Government, along with the associated prestige and opportunities
for publicity. This recognition will be in the form of an official Government
certificate. Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education
are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through both the federal
and Department
of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Programs. Designation
as a Center does not carry a commitment for funding from the National Security
Agency.
Benefits to the Nation:
The National Security Agency, and other Federal Departments and
Agencies: the program is intended to assist in meeting national demand
for a cadre of professionals with information assurance expertise in various
disciplines. These professionals will enter the workforce better equipped
to meet challenges facing our national information infrastructure. Centers
of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education may become focal
points for recruiting individuals with information assurance expertise.
The Centers may also create a climate and foci to encourage independent
research in critical information assurance areas.
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| References |
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National Security Agency:
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http://www.nsa.gov/
National Information Systems Security Education and Training Program:
http://www.nsa.gov/isso/programs/nietp/index.htm
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National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee:
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http://www.nstissc.gov
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National Colloquium on Information Systems Security Education:
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http://www.ncisse.org
The Clinton Administration's Policy on Critical Infrastructure Protection:
http://www.ciao.gov
For additional information contact the National Information Systems
Security Education and Training Office at 410-854-6206. |
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