One of the original seven National Security Agency (NSA) certified centers of academic excellence in information assurance education, the Iowa State University Information Assurance Center (IAC) is the only one of its kind in the state. As cyber threats continue to grow in impact and complexity, the IAC continues to produce high quality research and educate students for jobs in cyber security to meet needs to reduce vulnerabilities in the nation's networks.

Information assurance is the practice of managing information-related risks. Practitioners seek to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring confidentiality, integrity, authentication, availability, and non-repudiation which remains relevant whether information is in storage, processing, or transit, and whether threatened by malice or accident. In other words, information assurance is the process of ensuring that authorized users have access to authorized information at the authorized time.

In 2000, Iowa State created the IAC representing several departments. With more than 20 faculty members, it provides opportunities for education, research, and outreach worldwide. The center partners with industry, state and local governments, the Iowa National Guard, law enforcement, K-12 schools, and community colleges to help better secure the nation.

The IAC has developed a cyber-security playground called ISERink which is used to support cyber defense competitions. ISERink is a virtual laboratory environment that allows users an opportunity to undertake hands-on activities focused on networking, cyber security, and penetration testing. Iowa State has been a national leader in using cyber defense competitions to enhance student learning and to better prepare a cyber-workforce. Iowa State holds the largest high school competition each year and provides access to an ISERink playground to all Iowa high schools. Iowa State has developed one of the nation's first cyber security literacy curriculums for K-12 schools with the goal of getting cyber security literacy in every school in the state.

Did you know? The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated only 44 institutions as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense - Iowa State University being one of them.