CCI-OnlineCertCybersecurityLaw

Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics will offer a new, online certificate in cybersecurity, law and policy this fall as part of its professional development curriculum. The certificate will cover both the technical fundamentals of cybersecurity, as well as examining policy, cyber law and current issues, in a comprehensive three-course program offered through Drexel University Online.

The certificate program is intended for legal policy and technology professionals who want to bridge the gap between technology and the laws that govern cybersecurity.

“Governmental and corporate entities are becoming increasingly reliant on specialists to interpret the legalities and policies to protect information in a number of areas such as healthcare, research and development, and finance,” said College of Computing & Informatics Dean David Fenske. “Recent cyber attacks of the New York Times’ website and various corporate twitter accounts have shed light on a growing need for professionals trained in cybersecurity. The College of Computing & Informatics is proud to offer this certificate to give professionals working in a technical or legal setting the edge they need to assess and protect data security.”

Courses in the certificate program will include overviews of the principles of cybersecurity, cyber-computer crime law, and cybersecurity, law and policy.

“We’d like to create a bridge between what we like to call the ‘geeks’ and the ‘wonks,’ and have the ability for people who are normally policy people be able to speak to technical people, and have technical people be able to speak to policy people and lawyers,” said Harvey Rishikof, a co-director of the certificate program.

Rishikof, and fellow Co-Director Scott White, bring a wealth of cybersecurity and related legal experience to the classroom. White, a former officer in the intelligence branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, is also the founder of Westfield State University’s Institute of Homeland Security. Rishikof is the chair of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Law and National Security and was a senior policy advisor at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

“Today we have to be able to prevent, contain, and respond to acts of terrorism or acts of criminality as they affect the cyber world,” said White. “Ultimately, we’re all users of technology. As the world continues to grow, so does our technology. Each time we use technology, it has the potential to be infiltrated from someone using a computer from across the world.” 

The certificate in cybersecurity, law and policy expands the College’s existing selection of professional development programs including a certificate in healthcare informatics, an advanced certificate in information studies and technology, a post-master’s study program and a post-master's specialist program with specializations in archival studies, competitive intelligence and knowledge management, school library media, digital Libraries and youth services.

To learn more about the certificate in cybersecurity, law and policy visit http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/information-sciences-degrees/cert-cybersecurity/index.aspx.