UAlbany receives national recognition in cyber defense

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and UAlbany just received some national recognition. Its College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity is now designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The honor is from the National Security Agency, awarded specifically to UAlbany’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program.

Not many colleges have UAlbany’s prestigious recognition said Professor Ariel Pinto. He’s the chair of the cybersecurity department and his classes are about staying ahead of the latest hacks and breaches. “This recognition says that our graduates would be what they’d be looking for and ready to join the cybersecurity workforce when they get their degrees. Every day, faculty members have the potential to bring in the latest breakthrough that they get to know back to the students.”

“We are introduced to hands-on, real-world scenarios. When it comes to cybersecurity, that is one of the things that I’ve enjoyed most,” described Joseph Attoh who’s towards his M.A. in Cybersecurity.

And artificial intelligence is part of their education. Professor Pinto wants parents to know that AI is a necessity for their student’s future jobs. “Please learn to use that tool because that tool will make your job easier and if they are proficient in that cutting-edge tool, their service will be more in-demand in the workplace.”

But just because the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity has this award, it doesn’t mean everything has been figured out. The recognition has been awarded to UAlbany’s program for the next five years, encouraging the faculty, staff and students to continue innovating.