UTSA receives $3 million grant from DHS for cybersecurity training

(Sept. 27, 2016) -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has selected a team led by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to develop and deliver cybersecurity training through the Continuing Training Grants (CTG) Program. The team is led by UTSA’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) in conjunction with four additional University partners making up the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC).

The efforts will be led by Greg White, director of the CIAS and professor of computer science, and Natalie Sjelin, associate director of training programs for the CIAS. The 2016 CTG is a $3 million grant to develop and deliver cybersecurity training to support the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient Nation.

“UTSA is thrilled to have been selected to lead the CTG efforts,” White said. “Our team continues to work to improve our nation’s cybersecurity through innovative, high-quality training efforts. In partnership with the NCPC, UTSA continues to lead the way in cybersecurity training.”

The NCPC will develop and deliver new training courses based on current and emerging cyber threats. Courses identified for development will address Information Sharing and the operations of an Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, Malware Response and Recover, Cyber Security fundamentals, defense, incident response and recovery techniques, and other cyber courses needed.

“We are very excited to begin the development of these trainings to equip our States, Locals, Territories and Tribes with the tools needed to strengthen their cybersecurity posture,” Sjelin said. “Cyber-attacks have truly become one of the biggest threats to our nation.”

The UTSA-led team was awarded the grant following a competitive selection process. UTSA has previously worked with DHS and FEMA on CTG awards dating back to 2004.

“UTSA is leading the charge to ensure our first responders and state and local governments have the ability to prevent and respond to cyberattacks,” said U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro. “With this substantial funding, UTSA will be able to share its expertise more broadly and bolster the safety of communities across the nation. I’m extremely proud of the cutting-edge cybersecurity work that’s happening in our city, particularly at UTSA. It’s no wonder San Antonio has earned the nickname ‘Cyber City USA.’”

Since 2002, the CIAS has conducted 42 sector-based ISAC, community and state cybersecurity exercises with 3,690 trained to enhance the community’s cybersecurity posture and improve information sharing networks. Since 2004 five instructor-led cyber courses have been developed and delivered in 22 states, 48 communities training 3,246 in total.

UTSA continues to be a cybersecurity leader across the nation. The CIAS was awarded a grant from DHS in October 2015 to lead the ISAO Standards Organization in response to President Executive Order 13691. Most recently, UTSA was named the 2nd ranked Cybersecurity Graduate program in the nation by Universities.com.

-- Chase Hathaway

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Learn more about the UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Cybersecurity.

Learn more about cybersecurity at UTSA.

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