UC Irvine Group Tackles Cybersecurity Challenges

A University of California, Irvine (UCI) group of faculty members and private sector cybersecurity experts has decided to take on cyber threats by applying a multidisciplinary approach that involves technology, law and policy.

The UCI Cybersecurity Policy & Research Institute (CPRI) is comprised of “academic, critical infrastructure businesses, law enforcement and other government agencies, and privacy and civil liberties communities,” according to a UCI statement. Under the guidance of deans from six UCI schools — engineering, information and computer sciences, law, physical sciences, social sciences and social ecology — the CPRI experts plan to conduct “research on cyberattack attribution and supply chain security, the development of law enforcement training, the launch of a cyber victims defence clinic and a curriculum development effort for high school students,” the statement said.

The CPRI has several ongoing initiatives. The Supply-Chain Security Research Project, for instance, will explore the use of blockchain to address cyber breaches that occur from supply-chain-based risks. These include “counterfeit, malware-embedded or otherwise compromised hardware and software, whether used directly by a purchaser or embedded in other devices.”

Another project, Curriculum Development to Boost Future Cyber Experts, is working with experts from the Anaheim Union High School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, Cypress College and others to create cybersecurity curricula for high school students. The goal is to inspire students to pursue majors that lead to cybersecurity careers.

To learn about other cybersecurity initiatives, visit the CPRI site.  

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • stylized human profiles, tablets, and floating icons

    From Feedback to Flexibility: 5 AI Tools Teachers Should Try

    As a fifth-grade teacher and AI School Champion in the St. Vrain Valley School District, I've seen firsthand how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education. Here are five AI-enabled tools I've found especially powerful in my classroom and professional practice.

  • teenager’s study desk with a laptop displaying an AI symbol, surrounded by books, headphones, a notebook, and a cup of colorful pencils

    Student AI Use on the Rise, Survey Finds

    Ninety-three percent of students across the United States have used AI at least once or twice for school-related purposes, according to the latest AI in Education report from Microsoft.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • robotic elements such as a mechanical arm, AI brain, microchip, and wheeled robot in a muted blue color scheme

    California District to Build New Robotics Facility for Student Creativity and Collaboration

    California's Fremont Union High School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new Robotics Facility on the campus of Cupertino High School. The 14,500-square-foot facility will serve students at high schools across the entire district, providing purpose-built spaces for student creativity and collaboration.