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MORGANTOWN -- With $1.75 million in funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a team of West Virginia University researchers will collaborate with teams at Marshall and Florida International University to address cybersecurity needs in AI technologies.
The funding will support the development of new cutting-edge courses and a critical infrastructure security lab at the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering that will launch in fall 2025, focusing on intelligent systems and protecting critical infrastructure.
"We're grateful to DARPA for supporting this educational and research work for cybersecurity analysis of AI," said Anurag Srivastava, professor and LCSEE chair. "We are excited for this partnership and committed to developing new courses and a hands-on lab centered on cybersecurity for intelligent cyber-physical infrastructure, encompassing areas like secure robotics and power grid security, while leveraging research in resilient AI to enrich course offerings."
The program will fund the design and implementation of a cybersecurity for AI graduate curricula that will include engaging open-source learning modules, establishing a strong foundation for students in understanding attacks and defenses for cyber operations.
"The research and new curricula will greatly benefit the WVU community and beyond by equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity, fostering an ecosystem of well-prepared professionals ready to tackle emerging cyber threats," explained Prashnna Gyawali, assistant professor. "It's an exciting opportunity that allows for the creation of cutting-edge educational and research initiatives in the vital areas of AI and cybersecurity to establish WVU as a leader in securing cyber-physical systems and nurturing a skilled workforce for the future."
Students will have a wide range of hands-on opportunities in labs and training platforms, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity industry. Researchers will experiment with being able to detect cybersecurity incidents and how to complete certain tasks during a hypothetical breach.