During National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of New Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center at Hofstra University

Statement

During National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center at Hofstra University. The new center will train students to detect and defend against cybercrime, while fostering partnerships between industry, government and academia to analyze threats and strengthen network security across the Empire State. New York State supported the $1.35 million project with a $200,000 capital grant, awarded through the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. The center furthers Governor Cuomo's efforts to invest in New York's tech economy and train New Yorkers for 21st century jobs.

"Our economy is more reliant on technology than ever before, and we must ensure New York has the resources to defend against cyberattacks," Governor Cuomo said. "This new research center will teach the next generation of New Yorkers how to counter these emerging threats, while preparing our entire state to handle the cybersecurity challenges of the future."

Hofstra President and Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Stuart Rabinowitz said, "Cybercrime is an existential threat with staggering global economic and security implications. Working in partnership with the State of New York, we have created a center that will train a new generation of cybersecurity experts who can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated hackers and safeguard the information and technology that power our economy."

The new 1,000 square foot Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Research features leading technology and world-class simulation software. This includes a cyber range or "War Room," which will create immersive, realistic cyberattack scenarios for students to study and react to in real-time. The virtual experience will simulate the high-pressure atmosphere of a cyberattack, from first detection to recovery. The center also boasts 36 computers, a server room, drones, augmented and virtual reality devices and status boards where students can manage operations and information sharing.

This project represents a collaboration between the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. In addition to opening the new center, Hofstra is launching a M.S. in Cybersecurity, with concentrations in technology or management and policy. This new program complements existing programs at Hofstra, including an undergraduate computer science degree in cybersecurity and an MBA in cybersecurity management and policy.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric J. Gertler said, "Through smart investments and strategic partnerships, we can train New Yorkers to face the challenges of tomorrow, while growing our economy today. This project will bring together students, business leaders, and experts to explore new ways to protect our state's technology infrastructure and create a stronger, safer New York for all."

Senator Kevin Thomas said, "In today's technology-driven economy, a workforce of individuals trained in computer science and cybersecurity is an invaluable asset. This project will provide critical training to our students and prepare them to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The center is a valuable investment in both our state and local economies, one that will empower generations of students and strengthen the local business community here on Long Island."

Assembly Member Taylor Darling said, "I commend Governor Cuomo and Hofstra University. I believe this is a great addition to Hofstra! In this day and age when cyber-crimes are more frequent than ever before, this is a great opportunity for students to make a career out of this ever growing threat. It is important to encourage students from all backgrounds to get involved."

Located on Hofstra's South Campus, the $1.35 million Cybersecurity Innovation and Research Center was supported by a $200,000 grant from New York State through the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. In addition to training Hofstra students, the center will drive partnerships between the university, private businesses and government to study cybersecurity issues, analyze threats and strengthen security. At the same time, the center will address significant unmet demand for cybersecurity specialists, with the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs expected to reach 3.5 million and the global cost of cybercrime estimated to top $6 trillion by 2021.

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