UTC Program Guards Against Technology Thieves
By Cindy Carroll, UTC University Relations
Everyone has heard the horror stories of technology pickpockets who steal sensitive employee information, swiping online files of large companies and even government agencies. How can Chattanooga area businesses best employ information security to ward off hackers, viruses and other threats?
An invisible shield to protect workplace computers would be ideal. Think of the UTC InfoSec (Information Security) Center as a unique local resource with a range of security expertise – whether it’s providing protection for the U.S. from cyber terror threats or safeguarding sensitive data at a local company.
Based in the UTC Department of Computer Science, the InfoSec Center works in collaboration with the UTC Departments of Management and Criminal Justice. For the working professional, it teaches the security skills needed to meet challenges resulting from current advances in computer technology.
InfoSec faculty offer two undergraduate certificates in information security, and the College of Engineering and Computer Science offers B.S. and M.S. degrees with concentrations in information security.
The InfoSec Center is newly designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security – proof it can provide the business community with quality service.
"We are now playing in the same league as George Washington, Harvard and Georgia Tech, providing quality information in security and assurance education for area students," said Dr. Joseph Kizza, InfoSec Center coordinator and professor of computer science. "We have several Department of Defense Scholarships as a direct result of the new designation. These scholars will go on to work for federal government agencies for two years after they graduate."
Eligibility requirements for the scholarship can be found online at http://www.utc.edu/cisa/DoDScholarships/Requirements.doc. The deadline for applications to be received at the UTC InfoSec Center is January 31.
Kizza and InfoSec faculty can develop a series of classes on computer forensics, methods for investigating and documenting how a computer is used so that this evidence may be used in court. Or they can set up a full-day workshop for small businesses, providing information and hands-on ways to secure systems.
"Small and big businesses in the area are all prone to attacks by viruses and people," Kizza said. "The Chattanooga area is getting more exposed now that big international companies like Volkswagen are coming to town. The community must be aware and sensitive to the need for security business information."
To learn more about the InfoSec Center and how the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science can assist you, email Joseph-Kizza@utc.edu or call 423-425-4349.
"Green" Glove Treatment
The Chattanooga company known for its "Pink Glove Treatment" is adding green to its residential cleaning process. Last July, after a year in business, MOLLY MAID of Hamilton County joined the "green" movement, according to company president Ashley Doherty. "My business partner, Jennifer Ankar, and I decided to begin using an environmentally friendly line of products that tap the power of hydrogen peroxide to break through tough build-up and yet are safe on all surfaces," Doherty says. "We went a step further and started recycling our used product bottles and all of our shipping boxes." Customers are pleased to have the same level of cleaning without the harsh fumes in their homes, she reports. "And they like being able to add their cleaning company to the ways they’re helping protect the planet."
LBMC Wins Technology Award
Lattimore, Black, Morgan and Cain received the coveted Internal Technology Innovation Award at the Annual Leading Edge Alliance Conference in Boston. LBMC recognized the need for a communication tool that allows information to be shared across the LBMC family of companies in three Tennessee offices. The Microsoft tool, SharePoint, was implemented so that organizational departments could utilize this interactive platform for sharing information and working in teams thereby providing a centralized location for day-to-day information.
Chattanooga State Instructor
Completes East Tech Course
Through East Tech’s Educational Initiative, the company provides training in the latest manufacturing processes for high school and Chattanooga State instructors. Wade Silvey, instructor of machine tool technology at Chattanooga State, completed a 10-week course during which he trained at numerous East Tech work stations, including CNC (computer numerical control) milling, CNC turning, laser engraving, CMM (coordinate measuring machine) inspection and conventional machinery. "These experiences allowed Wade to see first-hand how we operate," said East Tech President Roger Layne. "His hands-on training with our advanced equipment will allow Wade to help his students better understand where the industry is headed. We are proud of the progress our initiative has made so far."
