Welcome
Join us to learn about the converging technologies of cybersecurity, data science, AI/ML and strategic computing solutions . Everyone is welcome!
Background
The Cybersecurity Analytic Center (CAC) was created as an academic-public-private partnership to develop technical professionals, conduct research and support outreach to underserved communities.
Mission
Provide education, infrastructure and research in the converging fields of Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI/ML and strategic computing.
Howard designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE)
The Howard University Cybersecurity program was officially awarded a 5 year designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Cybersecurity Offerings
Cybersecurity Concentration and Cybersecurity Certificate
In the News
1. AI and automation are expected to create 133 million new jobs but also displace 75 million jobs’ (World Economic Forum – 2023 Future of Jobs Jobs Report).
2. The fastest growing job roles are in the AI/ML Specialist, Sustainability Specialist, Business Intelligence Analyst and Information Security Analyst skill areas. (WEF – 2023 Future of Jobs Jobs Report.)
3. The National Security Institute’s Cyber and Tech Center (CTC) at George Mason University and Howard University School of Business (HUSB) receive $1 million from Google to launch Cybersecurity Clinic (Press Release 6/05/24 ).
Events
CAC Programs & Resources
Programs
- Cyber Concentration
- Skills Workshops
- CISCAP Summer Camp
- Boeing Academy
- Competitions
- Reseach
- Clubs
See the Program page
Resources
- Scholarships
- Internships
- Training Roadmaps
- Online Courses
- Certification Bundles
- Tools & Lab Resouces
See the Skills and Resources
Fall 2024 Research and Internship Opportunities
The CAC may have a limited number of internship and research opportunities in 2024. Contact the CAC leadership at CERC@Howard.edu if interested in applying.
Meet the Team
The CAC is part of the Howard University School of Business Computer Information Systems dept with the following staff:
Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from attack by malicious actors that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft of, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. (Wikipedia)
Related career opportunity data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (see https://www.bls.gov/)
| Skill Area | Job Role (US Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Estimated Job Salary |
Number of Jobs (2022) |
Est. Job Growth (2022-2032) |
| Cybersecurity | Info Security Analyst (15-2012) | $112,000 | 168,900 | 32% |
| Management Consultant | $96,700 | 987,600 | 10% | |
| Data Sci & Programming | Ops Research Analyst | $85,700 | 109,900 | 23% |
| Data Scientist | $103,500 | 168,900 | 35% | |
| AI & ML | IT Systems Analyst (15-2011) | $112,000 | 168,900 | 32% |
| SW Developers, QA Analysts & Testers (15-1250) | $124,200 | 1,795,300 | 25% | |
| Compute | IT Systems Analyst (15-2011) | $102,200 | 531,400 | 10% |
| IT Project Mgmt & Ops | Project Mgmt Specialist | $95,300 | 881,300 | 6% |
| Management Consultant | $96,700 | 987,600 | 10% | |
| SW Developers, QA Analysts & Testers (15-1250) | $124,200 | 1,795,300 | 25% | |
| Averages / Role | $105,250 | 759,510 | 21% |
The cybersecurity concentration and the center programs will expose students to a broad set of cybersecurity principles, challenges and strategic technologies including secure IT architectures, software, networks, data analytics, AI and cloud services.
The Cybersecurity Analytic Center offers the following programs:
- Cybersecurity Concentration and Certificate
- Workshops, Projects and Competitions
- Cyber Lab services
- Scholarships, Internships and free resources
- Research Projects
See the Cybersecurity Program Page for more information.
The Cybersecurity Concentration is part of the Computer Information Systems major in the School of Business (See Cybersecurity Concentration).
- Get on the CAC email distribution list.
- Follow the CAC on Social media: Instagram (@hu_cerc) & Linkedln (HUCERC)
- Send questions to cerc@howard.edu.
The CAC will announce scholarship opportunities as they become available. Join the CAC email list and social media channels to receive announcements (Instagram and Linkedln).
The Cyber Lab is both a physical location and a virtual infrastructure that supports cybersecurity student learning.
The physical space (Rm426 School of Business) is a collaboration workspace used for hands-on classroom instruction, workshops and club meetings. The lab is equipped with furniture, AV, Wifi and special devices for student projects.
The virtual infrastructure includes cloud services, a research server, cyber range labs and a curated portfolio of online resources for students of all skill levels (e.g., picoCTF, CyberStart, TryHackMe, etc.).
First step, join the Cybersecurity center and the Cyber Club to connect with the HU cyber community and to get access to free resources.
For independent learning, the Cybersecurity center recommends that students pursue free or low cost learning opportunities to build up their pre-requisite skills in data, networks, web, operating systems and cyber.
- Pre-security Learning Path (40 hrs easy; Tryhackme.com)
- Introduction to Cybersecurity (24hrs easy; Tryhackme.com)
- Absolute Beginner (60 hrs easy; TryHackme.com)
- Googl Cybersecurity Certificate (6 months; Coursera)
The cybersecurity concentration and center activities help students develop their critical thinking, analysis and hands-on skills in the following domain areas:
- Cyber Principles, Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks
- Cryptography
- IT Foundations (Data, Operating Systems/Linux, Network, Software, Hardware)
- Network/Web Traffic Analysis
- Virtualization and Cloud
- Programming and Scripting
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Security Architectures and Operations
- Penetration Test (Scan, Enumerate, Password Crack, Exploit, etc)
- Vulnerability Analysis & Incident Response
- Forensics
Yes, the Cybersecurity Center will provide support for students to pursue research topics of interest. See the Cybersecurity Center research page for more info.
In addition to cyber concentration courses, students may want to consider the following certificate courses based on their interests and resources:
Cybersecurity
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Coursera – 6 months)
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (free)
Data Analytics, Data Science & Machine Learning
- Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera – 6 months)
- Google Advanced Data Analytics (Coursera – 6 months)
- Nuts & Bolts of Machine Learning Course (Coursera – 30 hrs)
Python and IT Infrastructures
- Getting Started with Python Course (Coursera – 30 hrs)
- Google IT Automation with Python Certificate (Coursera – 6 months)
Computer with Intel i3 or equivalent power plus 8 GB RAM and 500 GB storage (or more)
* Note: Apple devices with M1 (silicon) chips do not support the free versions of virtualization software. Contact CERC@howard.com for information on getting a free licensed copy of VMWare.
