National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security honor VCU computer science professor for contributions to cybersecurity
By Konnie Culberson
Irfan Ahmed, Ph.D., associate professor and a leading researcher in digital forensics within the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering Department of Computer Science, has been honored with the Community Service Award by the NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) community. A joint venture between the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the CAE community recognizes institutions and individuals that contribute to the nation’s cyber workforce.
Ahmed was among the first ten contributors to the NSA’s National Cybersecurity Curriculum Program (NCCP) in 2018. He played a pivotal role by developing modules for crucial areas in cybersecurity: digital forensics, network penetration testing and industrial control system security. These modules have become the most widely used resources by academic institutions across the United States, reflecting the significant impact of his work.
The NSA/DHS CAE Community fosters collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development. The Community recognizes outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to this critical field.
Despite his significant contributions to cybersecurity education, Ahmed maintains that there is still room for progress, specifically citing an urgency for workforce development due to a shortage of specialists in the field. “Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming interdisciplinary,” he says. “Academia must address pedagogical challenges in this field to maintain quality while reducing the workforce gap.”
The NSA/DHS CAE Community of Practice-Cyber Defense (CoP-CD) Community Service Award recognizes Ahmed’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education. His contributions are instrumental in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
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Categories Computer Science, Faculty Awards