UAlbany Virtual Institute Trains the Next Generation of Cyber Leaders

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 14, 2024) — A $2 million virtual institute is helping train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals for future military and civilian leadership positions.

The Virtual Institute of Cyber Operation and Research (VICOR) was launched in 2022 by researchers at the University at Albany and Florida International University. The institute aims to advance a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) VICEROY initiative to establish cyber institutes through higher education partners nationwide. It is supported by the Griffiss Institute, a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator for DoD and an international network of academic, government and industry partners. 

Over the last two years, funding has been used to equip more than 60 students with applied cyber operational skills through hands-on learning and research opportunities. The program offers a $12,000 scholarship for students to use toward training, experiential learning, competitions, internships, networking opportunities, as well as research and mentorship in cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum operations.

Unal Tatar and Benjamin Yankson, assistant professors in the Department of Cybersecurity at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, are co-leading VICOR with Sanjay Goel, professor and chair of the Digital Forensics and Information Security Department at the Massry School of Business.

Support for the institute will continue through the end of this academic year with an additional 20 students joining this semester.