Denton, Texas—The University of North Texas continues to make strides in the field of cybersecurity, recently earning a renewal of its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). This prestigious recognition, which runs through 2029, underscores UNT’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and research.
The university first earned this designation in 2012 and remains one of only five universities in Texas and 28 nationwide to have maintained it for more than 15 consecutive years. UNT will formally receive the designation award from NSA and Department of Defense senior management at a ceremony scheduled for April.
This accolade reflects the crucial contributions of students and faculty at UNT’s Center for Information and Cyber Security. The center draws on the expertise of faculty from the College of Engineering, College of Information, and the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, aiming to fortify information and computer security.
Among the notable researchers is Seemaparevez Shaik, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science and engineering, focusing on additive manufacturing, particularly the security vulnerabilities inherent in 3D printing. Her work investigates potential hacking methods that could compromise the functionality of 3D printers and their instructions, represented by G-code files.
Shaik’s research is crucial given the growing reliance on 3D printing across industries, notably in large companies such as Tesla. Her efforts aim to detect unauthorized alterations to 3D print files, which could otherwise lead to significant operational risks.
Additionally, UNT alumni Burak Tufekci has developed a machine learning-based intrusion detection system for drones, demonstrating its potential applications through trials at UNT’s Advanced Air Mobility test facility. This system aims to mitigate risks such as GPS spoofing, ensuring drone operations remain secure and efficient.
Furthermore, Julie Germain, another distinguished researcher, is pioneering efforts in quantum computing. Her work focuses on developing quantum algorithms that could potentially revolutionize cybersecurity by significantly reducing the time needed to crack complex passwords.
The continuous advancements in cybersecurity research at UNT not only prepare students to excel in this critical field but also strengthen the nation’s defenses against evolving cyber threats.