Cybersecurity grant to boost data protection

A team that works behind the scenes to protect Central Michigan University’s data is getting a big boost from a federal grant. The grant will also help train CMU’s faculty, staff and student workers on how to better protect information.

The four members of the Office of Information Technology’s systems team creatively and aggressively confront new cybersecurity threats, said Ben Andera, executive director of academic and research computing. They were also instrumental in crafting the grant proposal.

“Cyber threats continue to evolve, and public institutions like CMU must stay ahead of them,” he said. “This funding allows us to accelerate critical improvements that protect sensitive data, safeguard research and ensure continuity of essential services.”

CMU was awarded $700,000 by the state of Michigan, which received $9 million as part of a larger $375 million allocation for cybersecurity by the Department of Homeland Security in Fiscal Year 2023.

Andera said that the fact that CMU received such a large amount of funding recognizes the importance and value of protecting its data for itself and for the region.

“These improvements are not just technical upgrades,” he said. “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 grant will also pay for a training program for everyone at CMU entrusted to work with data.

CMU received $39,200 to develop cybersecurity training for faculty, staff and student employees. Andera said his team is currently evaluating platforms to train people how to help CMU protect vital data and could launch that training later this year.

Investing in both technology and training positions CMU to confidently face emerging cybersecurity threats  and reinforce its commitment to excellence.