Morris County Celebrates CCM's Designation as a National Center of Cyber Defense Excellence

Published on April 24, 2017

CCM and Morris County Freeholders Issue Stay Safe in Cyber Space Video

County College of Morris celebrated it designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education with a special reception ceremony and the release of a new cyber defense video designed to provide some easily understandable basics in cyber defense to county residents, schools, government and businesses.

Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo (far right) joins Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (5th from left) and Freeholder Doug Cabana and CCM President Anthony Iacono (far left) at CCM National Center of Cyber Defense Excellence event(JPG, 419KB) Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo (far right) joins Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (5th from left) and Freeholder Doug Cabana and CCM President Anthony Iacono (far left) at CCM National Center of Cyber Defense Excellence event (photo: Morris County)

The video was unveiled at an April 19 ceremony that included special guests Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Freeholders Doug Cabana and Tom Mastrangelo, and several college and university officials.

We're especially proud of this designation and what it means for CCM students, said CCM President Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing industries with 1.5 million job openings projected by 2019. CCM is excited to be a part of filling that pipeline by providing students with an outstanding education and practical, hands-on opportunities to build their skills and knowledge base.

photo of CCM computer science students and visitors at a cyber defense demonstration(JPG, 510KB) CCM computer science students and visitors at a cyber defense demonstration

We are extremely proud of this designation for County College of Morris, and especially for the professors and staff and students who have worked to make the CCM Center for Cyber Security a model for the state and nation,'' said Mastrangelo. They have done a great job of educating our future cyber security professionals, increasing awareness for students in many other disciplines and preparing the greater Morris County community to be good cyber citizens.''

Also attending the celebration were Nancy Binowski, chair of the Department of Information Technologies at CCM; Professor Patricia Tamburelli and her husband, Joe, a part-time instructor at CCM, both of whom were instrumental in gaining the national distinction for the college; CCM trustees; computer science students; and members of the CCM Cyber Security Club.

(JPG, 606KB) (l-r) Chair of the CCM Board of Trustees Joseph Ricca,; CCM President Anthony Iacono; Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen; and Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Paul Boudreau at the reception

As part of the celebration, the Department of Information Technologies presented the first public viewing of its Stay Safe in Cyber Space video, which details steps individuals, businesses and organizations can take to protect themselves against cyber-attacks.

This is a big day. I think this designation puts CCM in a great position, said Liam Shamhart, a computer science student.

It's great for the college in that a lot of additional resources and grants will now become available, said Scott Court, another computer science student.

CCM has always shined €¦ and will continue to be out front as a leader, noted Joseph L. Ricca, chair of the CCM Board of Trustees.

photos of (l-r) Joe Tamburelli, adjunct professor at CCM; Mihir Kansagra, a computer science student; Professor Patricia Tamburelli; Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM; and computer science students Liam Shamhart and Andrea Doucette at the celebration recognizing CCM's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.(JPG, 552KB) (l-r) Joe Tamburelli, adjunct professor at CCM; Mihir Kansagra, a computer science student; Professor Patricia Tamburelli; CCM President Iacono; and computer science students Liam Shamhart and Andrea Doucette

CCM is the only community college in New Jersey listed as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE 2Y) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The designation recognizes CCM as an institution with a proven track record for information security education and awareness. Only 41 community colleges across the country, or fewer than 3 percent, hold the same designation.

To obtain the designation, CCM needed to demonstrate that its cyber security curriculum is aligned with national standards, that the college contributes to providing a pipeline of professionals who can assist with protecting against cyber-attacks, and that it is a resource for the community in the area of information security.

CCM offers an Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology with both a digital forensics and information security track, along with a certificate program in information security. Also offered is an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in computer forensics.

In 2015, the Department of Information Technologies established the Center for Cyber Security at CCM to serve as a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, staff and the community in the area of cyber security.

Along with recognizing the excellence of the college's educational programs, the CAE-CDE 2Y designation means that CCM students now can apply for scholarships through the National Science Foundation to continue their cyber security education at four-year institutions.

Photos Credit: Farlekas Photography

Tagged as:
Back to top