Homeland Security Adds iSchool Courses to Cybersecurity Training Initiative

Twelve FSU School of Information courses are now listed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Cybersecurity and Communications as part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS). The NICCS aims to break down barriers that prevent collaborative work and proactively coordinate prevention and mitigation of the biggest threats to the nation.

Dr. Shuyuan Ho, an assistant professor with the iSchool whose research interests include computing security and risk assessment, compares a cybersecurity professional to a chess player. The game of security is constantly changing, and the teaching must reflect that. “Firewalls used to be the focus,” Dr. Ho said. “But they are no longer a challenge for hackers. Hackers are now more aiming at the vulnerabilities of human factors.”

Dr. Ho prompts students interested in entering the cybersecurity field to build a fundamental knowledge of network administration, database management, information policy, and information security to prepare for work in the field. Pursuing recognized certifications, such as Security+ by CompTIA and CISSP by ISC2, is another valuable building block.

Beyond theory, hands-on knowledge is key to beginning a successful career in cybersecurity. FSU’s iSchool hosts an industry-recognized student organization, The Cybersecurity Club. Dr. Ho also recommends taking advantage of available university resources, like the virtual lab and the iSensor lab, so students can become a part of current research in the field of cybersecurity.

To find FSU iSchool courses in the Homeland Security database, search for Florida State University as the course provider at the NICCS Training website.

To learn more about the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, vists the NICCS Careers website or contact Florida State University’s School of Information at ischooladvising@cci.fsu.edu

The courses registered with Department of Homeland Security NICCS National Cybersecurity Workforce Development are: