Cybersecurity in ECE Curriculum, an Expanded Collaboration Program to Disseminate Real Security Experiences in Cyber-Physical Systems
Virgilio González, Oscar Perez, Rodrigo A. Romero · 2023
Work in Progress: This paper presents the progress in an innovative practice in Cybersecurity Education. It is well-recognized that security is becoming more critical to protect modern infrastructure. Traditionally cybersecurity has been perceived as a skill mainly required in user applications or in the upper protocol layers. However, there are concerns about vulnerabilities in embedded systems or in the lower protocol layers. The range of skills needed must encompass an understanding of cyber-physical systems due to the potential impact on the operation of modern technologies. We report the results of a holistic intervention in an Electrical and Computer Engineering program. The changes go beyond simply adding a cybersecurity class; instead, we have multiple actions disseminated in several aspects of the academic program providing the students with a richer experience. Students learn about cybersecurity through several methods thanks to an ongoing partnership between the US ARMY DEVCOM at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The efforts include steering the academic programs and supporting the creation of a separate degree in Computer Engineering besides the existing Electrical Engineering program. Other interventions involve adding cybersecurity concepts in several courses required by all Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering students. Other efforts include sponsorship of capstone projects and support for graduate teaching assistants specialized in promoting cybersecurity education to entire cohorts. Between fall 2018 and fall 2020, we had an informal collaboration between UTEP and the ARMY group. The formal partnership started in Spring 2021 and has continued through spring 2023. Each semester, at least one capstone project is specialized in designing and building cyber-trainer devices that the soldiers use in WSMR. The projects demonstrate relevant concepts to prepare students in a controlled portable environment. Since the fall semester of 2020, more than 200 senior students have incorporated cybersecurity awareness in their capstone project. In addition, there are six more courses where students get exposure to cybersecurity and an average participation of 60 students per semester. The last student cohort responded to a survey to understand the perceived gains in cybersecurity knowledge. Most students have a positive attitude toward the knowledge received and recognize the importance of the new skills. Some students went even further and decided to pursue careers in the area. Several students applied for internship experiences at the ARMY DEVCOM WSMR facility as part of the collaboration. We got additional funding to expand the traditional research projects and include graduate students.