Fairfield University’s School of Engineering and Computing was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) by the National Security Agency, effective through 2030. The result of a three-year application process, this prestigious designation recognizes the university’s commitment to cybersecurity education and its role in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.
The University’s Cybersecurity program and Cybersecurity Center, featuring a Cybersecurity Lab and Security Operations Center, have met NCAE-CD standards. “This designation is a testament to the quality of our graduate cybersecurity programs and the outstanding faculty conducting research and delivering industry-relevant content,” said Dean Andres Leonardo Carrano, Ph.D.
Meeting NCAE-CD standards positions Fairfield to play a key role in securing the nation’s digital future. Programs that strengthen the domestic talent pipeline reinforce the essential role of higher education in defending America’s cyberspace and are critical to the development of a highly skilled national cybersecurity workforce.
“There are two important milestones in this recognition,” said Associate Dean Mirco Speretta, Ph.D, director of the cybersecurity program. “First, the formal validation of our Master in Cybersecurity program. Second, the acknowledgment of Fairfield’s robust cybersecurity infrastructure. I’d like to recognize Dr. Akshay Mathur, Ph.D., and the ITS Department for their contributions to this achievement.”
Speretta advised minimizing the number of online accounts requiring personal information and reducing one’s digital footprint. “Almost every company will be hacked at some point,” Griffin said, “so it’s crucial to stay vigilant.”
