UNCW has secured $625,000 in funding from the federal budget to enhance its maritime cybersecurity research and education program. The initiative aims to strengthen cybersecurity measures in the critical infrastructure of the maritime industry, ensuring the smooth flow of international trade and safeguarding the nation's economic prosperity. The funding will be utilized to address cybersecurity issues, develop standards, and train a highly skilled workforce. This milestone further solidifies UNCW's commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and contributing to the nation's cybersecurity landscape.
Boosting Maritime Cybersecurity: UNCW Receives $625,000 Funding for Research and Education
( Credit to: Uncw )
UNCW has received a significant boost in funding for its maritime cybersecurity research and education program. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman David Rouzer, the university has secured $625,000 from the FY24 federal budget for the project titled "Maritime Cyber Security: Standards Advancement, Research, and Workforce Development."
The funding will be utilized to strengthen the resilience of the maritime subsector of the transportation systems sector, which is considered critical infrastructure. The aim is to enhance the cybersecurity measures in place within the maritime industry, as highlighted in a recent executive order by the current administration. The order emphasized the importance of securing America's Marine Transportation System (MTS), which is vital for the nation's prosperity and global trade.
Congressman Rouzer expressed his support for the initiative, stating that it is crucial to equip UNCW with the necessary resources to expand its maritime cybersecurity research and education program. He emphasized the need to protect the maritime sector from cyber threats that could disrupt supply chains. UNCW will play a leading role in training a highly skilled workforce to defend the maritime industry against cyber-attacks.
Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges in the Maritime Industry
With this funding, UNCW will focus on various maritime cybersecurity issues, including risk assessment, remediation plan development, and workforce training. The university aims to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals and develop standards that can be shared nationwide. These efforts will align with government agencies' initiatives to reduce cyber risks in the maritime industry.
Dr. Ulku Clark, the director of the UNCW Center for Cyber Defense Education, highlighted the university's commitment to cultivating a collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem. As North Carolina's coastal university, UNCW strongly supports the blue economy and recognizes the need for a highly skilled maritime cybersecurity workforce. The funding will further enhance UNCW's cybersecurity curriculum and contribute to finding solutions to critical national security issues.
Expanding UNCW's Cybersecurity Curriculum
UNCW's Center for Cyber Defense Education was established in 2018 and has since expanded its offerings to include eight cybersecurity programs. These include a cybersecurity major, minor, and multiple concentrations. The addition of a maritime cybersecurity specialization will bolster UNCW's already robust cybersecurity curriculum and contribute to the university's efforts in addressing the nation's cybersecurity challenges.
Securing the Nation's Economic Prosperity
The importance of securing the maritime industry cannot be understated. The United States' system of ports and waterways plays a significant role in the national economy, contributing over $5 trillion and employing over 30 million people. Moreover, it facilitates over 90 percent of all overseas trade. Therefore, investing in maritime cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding the nation's economic prosperity and ensuring the smooth flow of international trade.
A Milestone in Maritime Cybersecurity
UNCW's receipt of this funding is a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures in the maritime sector. The university's interdisciplinary research team, comprising faculty from multiple departments within the Cameron School of Business and the College of Science and Engineering, will work diligently to advance maritime cybersecurity standards, conduct research, and develop a skilled workforce. With these initiatives, UNCW is poised to make a lasting impact on the nation's cybersecurity landscape and contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure.
