Rhode Island College launches Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island College launched the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies on Monday.

Former Rep. Jim Langevin is the head of the program.

He said he wants to prioritize cybersecurity education, workforce development, and small business support.

“Every 11 seconds, a bad actor launches a ransomware attack against critical infrastructure, hospitals, municipalities and businesses,” Langevin said. “The Institute will help close the gap between unfilled cybersecurity jobs and the number of trained professionals needed to fill them.”

“Our leading researchers and professionals will also develop practical and policy approaches to the cybersecurity challenges facing businesses, non-profits and government,” he said.

Gov. Dan McKee applied an amendment to his fiscal year 2014 budget to fund the program.

McKee said it will bring in students interested in the field and prepare them for much-needed jobs in the Ocean State.

Officials including Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse agreed the Institute sets Rhode Island College apart.

“In our rapidly evolving digital world, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is ever-growing. Identifying and reducing cyber risks and enhancing safeguards within our infrastructure is a critically important need in nearly every industry and company,” Reed said.

Both senators gave credit to Langevin’s dedication to cybersecurity research.

“The Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies is a testament to Jim’s steadfast commitment to growing our state’s cyber infrastructure and ensuring we have the talent to respond to emerging cyber threats,” Whitehouse said.

The Institute includes Rhode Island’s first business-oriented undergraduate cybersecurity degree.

Students in the program will have the opportunity to intern with local companies and government agencies.

Officials said the Institute offers unique hands-on experience to further prepare students for the workforce.