Capitol College welcomed Lt. Governor Anthony Brown in April for a Base Realignment and Closure press conference. He focused on cyber security following the recent Maryland Higher Education Commission, BRAC Higher Education Investment Fund FY 2010 award of $92,992 to Capitol for the establishment of a Cyber Battle Lab.
“We enjoyed having the Lt. Governor on campus,” said Capitol President Michael T. Wood. “The BRAC grant and the subsequent Cyber Battle Lab will put our college on the map as one of the best in information assurance education, and we want state leaders to be informed and included as part of the process. I hope Governor Brown left with a new appreciation for the college, our students and the things we are accomplishing.”
During his visit, Brown was given the opportunity to experience the capabilities of the Cyber Battle Lab first-hand, in a simulated “battle.” Several students acted as “attackers,” some as network administrators, and the Lt. Gov. as the user. Students first launched a denial-of-service attack on Brown’s computer, rendering him incapable of accessing the internet. Students acting as network administrators then fixed the problem so that Brown could regain access.
“I think that this cyber battle facility and program is excellent, and I’m certain that every one of these students will have a job coming out of college,” he said.
Also during his visit, Brown presented the college with a ceremonial check for the funds that have already been put to good use. The Cyber Battle Laboratory, which will provide intensive hands-on laboratory experiences to increase the IA knowledge of students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate IA degree programs, offers a secure learning environment where various hacker attacks can be simulated, detected and analyzed, and systems are restored.
“The BRAC funding was designed to support programs at public, independent, and two-year colleges willing to step up and address the needs of the Maryland workforce, one that requires the skills Capitol College has nurtured and which you possess. We believe that you can achieve the results that we’re looking for in Maryland,” Brown told students at the event.
Further reading: Capitol College in the News: College's new lab is training field for cyber defense (Laurel Leader)