New cybersecurity lab unveiled at Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University has added a new computer lab at the College of Business and Information Technology. Administrators say that students from several programs will benefit from the access to technology offered by the lab, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. The lab was built to enable students to meet the constantly changing demands of employers in multiple high-tech fields including finance, network security, and digital forensics. The lab was made possible by a donation from LTU graduate Javad Mokhbery.

The new laboratory is housed in the Buell Building on the campus of Lawrence Technological University and will eventually be used for a variety of courses in finance, investing, data science, and networking. For the time being only one graduate level class - Ethical Hacking - is being taught in the lab because of COVID-19 restrictions. The lab will provide computer science students with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and tools needed to manage cybersecurity threats. Finance students will use the lab to learn how to process real-time financial data tracking foreign exchange rates, stock quotes and market indices. In a recent release from LTU, Professor Zahraddenn Gwarzo explains the capacity of the new computer lab to enhance the learning experience, and career opportunities, for students, "The newly built lab is equipped with state-of-the-art computers, routers, switches, and firewalls, among other devices. The computers are equipped with a wide range of tools, applications, and virtual machines useful for students in ethical hacking and cybersecurity courses. The lab will give students hands-on learning experience to simulate attacks and techniques used by hackers to gain access into target computers and networks. Learning these techniques will prepare students for cybersecurity industry jobs to help organizations ensure security by identifying vulnerabilities in their networks, computers, and applications."

The new lab was built using funds donated by Lawrence Technological University alum Javad Mokhbery. Mokhbery left his home country of Iran at the age of 19 and eventually made his way to LTU, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He went on to found FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology in 1988. Sensors developed by Mokhbery's company have been used by NASA on the Mars rover Curiosity.