In 2000, CERT, a federal center concerned with Internet security, recorded 21,756 incidents of Internet security violations — from hacking to computer viruses. In the first three quarters of 2003, more than 114,000 violations were reported.

Those numbers indicate that now, more than ever, specially trained cyber security experts are needed. Mounting an effort to address the problem, UNT established the new Center for Information and Computer Security.

Center organizers say the interdisciplinary center taps the knowledge, research and expertise of UNT faculty in programs and organizations focused on information and computer security, information assurance, and cyber crime. Participants come from UNT's departments of computer science and engineering, criminal justice, and business computer information systems.

Their mission is to increase security-related research and train new experts in the field. The center coordinates courses in computer security and information assurance offered through these departments, granting graduates federally certified, nationally recognized credentials

The center offers two certifications from the U.S. National Security Agency: the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) 4011 National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals and the CNSS 4013 National Training Standard for System Administrators in Information Systems Security. UNT is the only Texas university to offer both certifications and one of only 12 in the nation to offer the CNSS 4013.

"Computer security is a multifaceted problem that needs advanced technology, but technology alone won't solve the problems," says center director Steve Tate, associate professor of computer science and engineering.

"The center uses a cross-disciplinary methodology to ensure that our students are prepared to approach these problems from a specialized but broad-based background when they enter the work force," he says.

For more information, call Tate at (940) 565-4864 or visit www.cics.unt.edu.

BY RUFUS COLEMAN rcoleman@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Hearing at UNT explores nanotechnology
• La Point to serve on national committee
• New grading system announced to senate
• International group elects Holden president
• UNT community's donations make the holidays brighter
• Marcello earns lifetime achievement award
• Three honored for 40 years of service to university
• Film historian discusses 2003's best movies

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