Out of 84 diverse institutions, Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute has been selected as a CYBERCOM partner in new development initiative.

On February 10, 2022, U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service hosted a virtual welcome session for students, faculty and staff partners selected to participate in the inaugural CYBERCOM Academic Engagement Network event.
PHOTO CREDIT: U.S. Cyber Command

The United States Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) has partnered with institutions across 34 states for their Academic Engagement Network (AEN) initiative to enhance education and workforce needs in cyberspace.  The Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute (ISI) has been selected as one of the 84 institutional partners that will assist in the development of four areas: future workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics, and strategic issues. ISI joins this inaugural class as one of 70 four-year/graduate institutions across the country.

Led by the Department of Defense (DoD), this new initiative will support the department’s ongoing strategy in cybersecurity by curating a skilled workforce ready to fulfill CYBERCOM’s mission.

Through this partnership, Johns Hopkins students will have unique opportunities for internships, fellowships, and recruiting programs through CYBERCOM.  The partnership also offers a research showcase, sponsored mentorships beginning this fall, and access to exclusive webinars and lectures on the changing cyberspace landscape.

“Our selection as an partner in CYBERCOM’s Academic Engagement Network solidifies our position at the forefront of education and research in cybersecurity and demonstrates our commitment to advancing methods for cyber defense in the public sector and providing career opportunities for our students,” said Anton Dahbura, executive director of ISI  and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy.

Since its founding in 2001, ISI has established world-class cybersecurity-focused academic programs, including a highly-ranked master’s program that covers the most current topics in information security.

And through ISI‘s leadership, Johns Hopkins University has already been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the National Security Agency and leading experts in the field.

U.S. Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, and chief of the Central Security Service welcomed the partners in the opening virtual event on Feb. 10, stating his goals for the program to become not just a dialogue, but a group effort to foster change and overcome challenges.  He stated the CYBERCOM partnership is the foundation to forging a strong advantage in cyberspace and protecting the nation on that front.

In order to be considered for a partnership with CYBERCOM, applying institutions must offer programs aligning with CYBERCOM’s AEN needs, as well as be regionally accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).  Johns Hopkins is accredited through Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

To learn more about AEN and the partnerships, click here.