New Funding Will Enhance Cyber Security Research

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently approved an $11.7 million funding increase for Dartmouth's Cyber Security Collaboration and Information Sharing Project. The award, which will be divided between two Dartmouth institutes, will provide $8.7 million to the Institute for Information Infrastructure Protection (I3P) and $3 million to the Institute for Security Technology Studies (ISTS).

Martin Wybourne, vice provost for research and chair of the I3P, says, "The College has a long-standing tradition of excellence in information technology and an academic environment that encourages and supports innovation. With the help of this new grant, Dartmouth will continue to be a leader in this vital field."
The funds will allow the I3P to launch several new studies, including research on insider threat, privacy protection, and the economics of cyber security. Funds will also be dedicated to new educational initiatives for undergraduates and will enhance the I3P's existing national fellowship program for young scholars.

At the same time, ISTS will expand its ongoing security and privacy studies. "We're excited to have the chance to initiate several research projects that will develop cutting-edge technologies, including sensor networks, autonomic computing, video forensics, and public-key infrastructure," says David Kotz, the institute's executive director and professor of computer science.

A portion of the new grant will further fund ISTS education and outreach activities, including campus-based seminars and workshops. "In addition to involving graduate and undergraduate students in every research project," emphasizes Kotz, "we will develop longer-term educational initiatives aimed at expanding our nation's capabilities in cyber security and trust."

The I3P, a 28-member consortium, will approach the project collaboratively. Dartmouth will be well represented with faculty and students in the arts and sciences, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business participating in the studies. "Addressing real-world problems related to cyber security and infrastructure requires a multidisciplinary approach," says Wybourne. "The unique character of the consortium enables faculty and students from many disciplines to join forces to further our understanding of the issues."

By LAURIE BURNHAM

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