Graduate students attend the Introduction to Cyber Warfare and Security course at AFIT.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Jaima Fogg)
By Lt. Col. Wayne Henry, PhD, USAF
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering
Director, Center for Cyberspace Research
Air Force Institute of Technology
The Air Force Institute of Technology has one of the leading cybersecurity programs in the nation supported by the Center for Cyberspace Research (CCR). The Center’s award-winning faculty, world-class facilities, and rigorous curriculum prepare students for successful cybersecurity careers in the Air Force, Space Force, and the Department of Defense (DoD). AFIT is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the field of cybersecurity.
Award-winning Faculty
CCR is home to some of the most respected, award-winning faculty in the field of cybersecurity. In the past year, several faculty members were recognized for their outstanding work, including Dr. Mark Reith, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, who was named Department of the Air Force (DAF) STEM Outreach Champion and the Air Force Association Colonel Charles Stone Award winner. Maj. Richard Dill, Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering, was honored with the DAF Outstanding Scientist and Engineer Award for senior military. Dr. Scott Graham, Professor of Computer Engineering, was recognized with the DAF Outstanding Scientist and Engineer Award in the mid-career civilian category and Dr. Scott Nykl, Associate Professor of Computer Science, was recognized with the DAF Outstanding Scientist and Engineer Award in the junior civilian category. Lt. Col. Wayne “Chris” Henry, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, was named Air University Field Grade Officer of the Year. This is a significant amount of high-level recognition for the faculty, and it is a testament to their dedication to excellence in cybersecurity education and research.
Top-tier Students
Over the last three years, the CCR has educated over 100 master’s degree students in Cyber Systems, Cyber Operations, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering programs. These talented students and faculty were responsible for advancing science and technology through numerous patents, over 50 published journal articles, 64 peer-reviewed conference papers, and 15 books/book chapters. These students have also excelled by participating in a cyber capture the flag team, bringing home numerous first-place honors and keeping AFIT on the map for cyber education.
Cyber Equipment and Facilities
The CCR owns and maintains the Cyber Defense Network (CDN), a unique environment designed to support cyber-related research applicable to the interests of the DoD and other federal agencies. The CDN is specifically designed to allow research in advanced cyber topics, such as hardware/software vulnerability assessment, exploit development, malware analysis, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems. The CDN includes over 100 servers, 690 virtual machines, as well as 300 desktops/laptops. The CDN gives students access to 280TB of network storage, 5TB of memory, and various lab equipment and testbeds. The CDN provides an isolated sandbox for over 1000 faculty, staff, and students that gives them freedom to conduct cutting-edge cyber research and education, even if it involves the use of dangerous code that would be forbidden on other networks. The CDN is a valuable resource for the CCR and its partners, providing a safe and secure environment for cybersecurity research, collaboration, and education.
Distinguished Review Board
In 2023, the CCR underwent a Distinguished Review Board (DRB) for the first time since the COVID outbreak. Maj. Gen. David W. Snoddy, Deputy HAF A2/6, presided over the board which included members from AFRL, US Space Force CIO, USAFA, and 16th Air Force. The DRB evaluated the quality of the program’s curriculum, faculty, and facilities. The CCR received numerous compliments from the board, which is a testament to the Center’s
high standards.
Re-certified as an NSA Center of Academic Excellence – Research Institution
AFIT is one of only a few academic institutions in the nation that has been designated as a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence – Research Institution.
This designation is a testament to the Center’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity research.
Developing New Certifications
In the past year, CCR faculty developed three new certification programs to support the continuous educational objectives of mission partners in the AFRL Sensors Directorate. These certifications are in the field of Cyber Physical Systems, which combine physical and cyber components to accomplish well-defined tasks. Interested students can find out more information here by visiting our website: https://e.AFIT.edu/JVflrnn.
New Director
Lt. Col. Wayne “Chris” Henry took over as the Director of the Center for Cyberspace Research from Dr. Scott Graham. Lt. Col. Henry is a highly-experienced cybersecurity professional, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Center.
