Dive Brief:
- California Polytechnic State University is setting itself up as a leading institution in the field of cybersecurity with its new Cybersecurity Center and the opening of the Northrop Grumman Cyber Lab.
- The first-of-its-kind lab for undergraduates and graduates will open in January 2014 was funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and will feature 32 workstations, projectors, a presentation center and expansive whiteboard space.
- The cybersecurity initiative is an effort headed by the Cal Poly College of Engineering that spans the university and includes partnership with public and private organizations.
Dive Admin:
With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in both the public and private sector — particularly with regard to military and defense — it was only a matter of time before universities modeled entire programs for those hoping to enter the field. As a result of the Northrop Grumman partnership, students and faculty in the Cal Poly program will also be able to supplement education and research via access to the Northrop Grumman Virtual Cyber Lab via network connection. The university's cybersecurity initiatives began two years ago with a project lab funded by Raytheon, and its White Hat student club is dedicated to improving the safety of the Internet.