Cryptocurrency, dark websites and the investigative tools for solving electronic crimes were just a few of the topics discussed on Thursday, August 18 when members of the New York/ New Jersey Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) gathered at Saint Peter’s University for the group’s quarterly meeting. The meeting was brought to Saint Peter’s following the launch of a master’s program in cyber security and an increased focus on cyber security within a variety of academic programs.
“The University shares ECTF’s focus on being aware of potential cyber threats and protecting computing and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University, during the meeting. “Data shows that the demand for cyber security professionals has grown three times as fast as the demand for traditional information technology professionals and demand is surpassing supply. We recently launched a master’s program in cybersecurity in response to this growing need.”
The first classes in the cyber security master’s program will be offered this fall. The 30-credit hour program will provide students with the advanced skills needed to help protect and defend information systems from cyber-attacks. The program will have two areas of focus: (1) information systems security and assurance and (2) cyber security and computer forensics. The program is designed for working professionals and/or students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, business or criminal justice.
Also, beginning in the fall 2016, Saint Peter’s University is establishing Cyber Security Center on-campus. The center was designed in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Center of Excellence, located in Rockville, Maryland, and will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to analyze risk across multiple platforms and simulate defensive actions from new and existing cyber threats. Students will learn about software/tools that can be used to protect the cyber environment of an organization. In addition, students will have access to state-of-the-art technology including: SANS Forensics Investigative Toolkit, the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Security Evaluation Toolkit, and much more.
Edward Moskal, M.S., M.M.S., chair of the department of computer and information sciences at Saint Peter’s University and director of the master’s program in cyber security, gave a presentation at the event about the University’s current initiatives in the cyber security space. The initiatives include the development of the Cyber Security Center, a growing Cyber Security Club, successful internship placements for cyber security students at top companies, and an upcoming Cyber Security Case Study Competition with Kaspersky Lab and The Economist.
“Saint Peter’s was thrilled to host an event of this caliber and to have this esteemed group on our campus,” said Moskal. “We look forward to future opportunities to connect our students with these leaders of industry.”
For more information about enrollment in the cyber security program, please visit www.saintpeters.edu/cyber-security or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmit@saintpeters.edu or (201) 761-6470.