Center for Computer Security and Information Assurance

The ESU Center for Computer Security and Information Assurance (CCSIA) is dedicated to the promotion of education, research, training, awareness, and literacy in computer security and information assurance (CSIA) which deal with all aspects of creating a trusted environment for information processing.

CCSIA is part of the ESU Division of Academic Affairs, housed in the Computer Science Department. This center has recently merged with the ESU Cyber Security Research Center.

The Center advances

• CSIA education on the K-12, community college, and university Bachelor’s and Master’s level;
• CSIA research by faculty, students, and in faculty-student partnerships;
• CSIA training for industry professionals; and,
• CSIA awareness and literacy for all individuals through education and training.

Contact Information

For more information CCSIA, please contact:
Dr. Mike Jochen
(570) 422-3036
mjochen@esu.edu

Activities, Events, and News

CCSIA Faculty are teacher/scholars who teach courses for the B.S. in Computer Security program, supervise student internships, and engage in the Center's activities:

• CCSIA Faculty Publications
• CCSIA Student Publications
• CCSIA Outreach

Information and activities of interest to the Cyber Security student and professional.

• Upcoming Events
• CSIA Security Resources
• News of Note and Items of Interest

Institutional Cybersecurity Policies, Resources, and Awareness

• ESU information on Academic Computing and IT/Security Policies

B.S. in Computer Security

In 1999, the ESU Computer Science Department, partnered with Backbone Security, developed our Computer Security Program. We offered our first course, CPSC 325: Security Engineering I, in 2000, and by 2002 we began to offer students a B.S. degree in Computer Security, the first Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Security in the nation. This rigorous program requires introductory computer science courses, introductory and advanced information assurance and computer security courses, and pertinent general education courses to ensure good communication and management skills.

Board of Visitors Information

The CCSIA hosts an annual Board of Visitors (BoV) to support the Center and the B.S. Programs in Computer Security and Computer Science. The BoV provides industry-generated feedback on curriculum and insight into current industry demand for knowledge and skills that are relevant to the discipline. ESU's Computer Science Department uses the CCSIA BoV feedback to inform department efforts regarding program curriculum development and revision. Members of our BoV include (or have included) representatives from Apple, Backbone Security, Berkley Technology Services, and Netflix. If you are interested in participating in the CCSIA's BoV, please contact the CCSIA Director, Dr. Mike Jochen, for eligibility criteria and board information. The next BoV meeting will be held on 1 June 2022.

Center for Academic Excellence

ESU is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA). ESU was first designated in 2003 as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (CAE/IE 4Y). ESU continues to hold this designation (now under the designation CAE-CD). Learn more about the designation and our mission to produce talented graduates that strengthen our cybersecurity posture and contribute towards national security.

Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (CySP)

The Center’s mission also includes assistance for students with regard to career placement and career growth in CSIA, as well as commercialization of CSIA solutions.

Because of ESU's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (designated by the US Department of Homeland Security and the NSA), Computer Security majors may apply for scholarships under the CySP program.

ESU's recent CySP scholars:

• 4 students awarded scholarships in 2019/2020.
• 4 students awarded scholarships in 2020/2021.