The funding will assist the university in protecting itself against cybersecurity threats and will help provide training for faculty and students.
Central Michigan University has received a grant from the state of Michigan in the amount of $700,000, which itself is part of a $9 million allocation the state received from the US Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2023. The funding that has been given to Central Michigan University will help boost data protection at the university, as well as train students, faculty, and staff in cybersecurity.
According to an article on Central Michigan University’s website, Ben Andera, who serves as the university’s executive director of academic and research computing, was quoted as saying, “Cyber threats continue to evolve, and public institutions like CMU must stay ahead of them. This funding allows us to accelerate critical improvements that protect sensitive data, safeguard research and ensure continuity of essential services. These improvements are not just technical upgrades. They are investments in the long-term security and success of our students, researchers and community partners. Cybersecurity is a foundational requirement for academic excellence and public trust.”
The university’s Office of Information Technology has a team of four individuals that works to combat any cybersecurity data threats. Andera noted that his team is currently looking into different platforms that offer cybersecurity training and is planning to roll out that training to faculty, staff, and student employees to ensure they know how to handle the university’s data. The training is made possible through the $39,200 funding from the grant, and the training is expected to roll out later in the year, once the team has chosen which platform to use.
For more information about Central Michigan University, visit the school’s website.