The U.S. Department of Energy announced Thursday that six university-based power cybersecurity centers have received $15 million in funding to advance energy security research and provide cybersecurity education programs.
“This investment in a university-based cybersecurity center will allow us to expand America's cyber workforce while building the expertise needed to counter evolving cyber threats to our nation's energy system. ” said Push M. Kumar, Director, Department of Energy. The Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response Agency said in a press release. “America's competitive advantage has always depended on cutting-edge research and a highly skilled workforce. Through these projects, we are advancing our economy and national security.”
The university's program will collaborate with energy sector owners and operators, vendors, and the Department of Energy's national laboratories. These partnerships are intended to support cyber centers examining the cybersecurity capabilities of their region's power systems, infrastructure and workforce networks.
The six universities selected to receive this funding are the University of Connecticut, Iowa State University, University of Pittsburgh, Illinois Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University, and Florida International University.
