Xavier adds focus on cybersecurity

Oct 15, 2019

As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics of hackers. In response to these ever-increasing cyber threats, the College of Arts and Sciences and Williams College of Business created a cybersecurity program that provides opportunities for Xavier students to respond to the needs of the community and increase their own job marketability—all while doing good for others.

In the years leading up to the program’s inception, the Department of Computer Science recognized cybersecurity as a potential area for growth. They saw how every day, hackers were developing new ways to steal information from people, business, governments and organizations.

So, starting in fall 2017, the College of Arts and Sciences developed a task force with the Williams College of Business and the College of Professional Sciences to determine the viability of the new program. Members spent several months meeting with industry professionals, speaking with banks, consulting firms, and other large companies including TriHealth, P&G and Fifth Third Bank. They learned there is a large need for students with in-depth knowledge of computer science along with training in cybersecurity.

By fall of 2018, the department began offering a concentration in cybersecurity to students majoring in computer science. And this year, the University hired a full-time faculty member to be responsible for teaching cybersecurity and building the cybersecurity program.

Deep Ramanayake, teaching professor of computer science, hit the ground running. By September, Xavier had joined an academic alliance with the Department of Homeland Security called Stop. Think. Connect. The program connects universities across the country with resources from the Department of Homeland Security. Each month, Ramanayake participates in calls with other alliance members to stay up to date on new cyber threats and how to protect against them.

In addition, Xavier now has access to different speakers who can come to campus to teach students, faculty and staff how to protect themselves against cyber threats. Ramanayake looks forward to utilizing these resources, as they also support the common needs of the Xavier community.

“Educating the younger generations is so important to ensure safety and security for the community,” Ramanayake said.

The partnership with Stop. Think. Connect. is just the beginning. Over the next few years, Ramanayake will work to earn official accreditation from the Department of Homeland Security for Xavier’s program, which leads to greater recognition for students and better access to jobs in the cybersecurity field.

“Students are increasingly interested in this new program,” said Gary Lewandowski, associate dean and professor of computer science. “Xavier students are interested in careers where you feel you’re doing good for others—and legitimately living the Xavier mission. This program does that.”

The cybersecurity program is not exclusively for computer science students. Though the concentration in cybersecurity is only available for students majoring in computer science, all undergraduate students are eligible to complete a minor in cybersecurity systems. The minor is also offered to all enrolled adult education students working toward a bachelor’s degree. Further, the cybersecurity program offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in cybersecurity for students with sufficient computer science experience.

By Jade Martinez, communications specialist, College of Arts and Sciences

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR AND CYBERSECURITY FOCUS.