Universities Collaborate on Security Plan

Two virginia universities last week announced a collaborative project designed to provide education, information and research on information security.

The Critical Infrastructure Protection Project will be a joint effort of George Mason University School of Laws Center for Technology and Law and James Madison University. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is providing a $6.5 million grant for the project.

The projects focus will be education and outreach, serving as a repository of expertise, sponsoring research and developing programs.

John McCarthy, a former member of the federal Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office and most recently a director in KPMG Consulting Inc.s risk and advisory services practice, will serve as executive director.

“Our intent is for the CIP Project to generate real solutions that address complex legal, policy and technology issues,” said McCarthy, in Fairfax, Va.

Specifically, the CIP Project will hold seminars and workshops on information security and provide professional education and training. Members will also help develop model legislation on security issues and testify on questions of technology, policy and law.

Both GMU, in Fairfax, and JMU, in Harrisonburg, have been recognized by the National Security Agency as Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.