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.

CSIA Activities

CSIA 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:

• Faculty Publications
• Student Publications
• Outreach

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.

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