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Center for Forensics, Information Technology and Security

  • Students working in classroom on laptops.
  • Shelby Hall
  • People in the atrium of Shelby Hall
  • Students with Dr. Andel holding plaque.
  • Students with professors in front of flags.
 

The University of South Alabama Center for Forensics, Information Technology and Security is dedicated to the collection and dissemination of information related to digital forensics and information technology assurance and security. 

USA

USACFITS is an organization designed to promote the advancement of knowledge related to the study and application of digital forensics and information technology security and assurance. USACFITS is supported by the University of South Alabama, the School of Computing.


DHS

USA

NSA

 

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have designated the University of South Alabama as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). As noted on nsa.gov, the “NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:

  • Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
  • Includes competency development among students and faculty,
  • Values community outreach and leadership in professional development,
  • Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines,
  • Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.

The designation was first awarded to the University of South Alabama in 2011 as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Systems Security Education, and USA has been an active member of the CAE Community ever since. The University of South Alabama was re-designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) institution in 2022 which lasts through 2027. Institutions must demonstrate in sufficient detail how they meet program criteria specified by the sponsor of the program, the National Security Agency (NSA). CAE-CD designated institutions focus on preparing graduates to help reduce threats to our national infrastructure through higher education and research in cyber defense. The NCAE designation allows institutions to be able to compete for grants like the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarship for Service program.

USA CyberScholars Program: The Scholarship for Service (SFS) program offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides scholarship funding for students in exchange for service in a government position for a period equal to the length of scholarship funding, typically two or three years. Students awarded an SFS scholarship participate in paid summer internships at a federal, state, or local government agency and become part of the Federal CyberCorps, whose mission is to ensure the protection of the US Government’s information infrastructure. Upon graduation SFS scholars are required to serve in a paid cybersecurity-related position in federal, state, or local government. More information can be obtained by visiting our CyberScholars program page.