An Experience Report on Undergraduate Cyber-Security Education and Outreach

We report on the design and execution of an ambitious, innovative, and comprehensive program of education, training, and outreach in information security. This program, SISMAT (Secure Information Systems Mentoring and Training), aims to foster expertise in computer security at the undergraduate level. SISMAT consists of three major components. First, an intensive two-week seminar and laboratory course provides participants with a foundation in computer security. Second, SISMAT personnel coordinate with participants and industry, non-profit, and government organizations to help place participants in internships related to information security and assurance. Third, SISMAT personnel coordinate with participants’ faculty mentors to identify and develop a suitable mentored research project for the SISMAT participant in the semester following the internship. In this way, SISMAT helps foster the growth of security curriculum derived from the advice and guidance of recognized industry and academic experts in information and computer security.