The Arkansas Security Research and Education Institute (ASCENT), a new center at the University of Arkansas, will focus on spreading security expertise across several different fields. ASCENT is now officially approved by Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
It is easier than ever to take advantage of digital technology. Smart devices, the cloud and big data processing techniques provide new opportunities for businesses, governments and other organizations. These new tools all come with additional security risks, however.
A key component of the center will be efforts to cross-train students to be proficient not just in one area of expertise but across multiple areas such as combinations of cyber security, computer engineering, molecular microbiology, etc. This multifaceted educational emphasis will provide the next generation of well-trained security workforce for industry and government institutions.