The core mission of the CIAS-ISAO is to help states, tribes, local jurisdictions and territories to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity program by using the congressional-supported Community Cyber Security Maturity Model (CCSMM).
Why the CIAS ISAO
The Mission
Our Background
Established in 2019 by the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS), at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the CIAS-ISAO assists regions, states, local jurisdictions, tribes and territories (SLTTs) to become more resilient and have greater capability against cyber-attacks. Through various efforts, the CIAS has been working on Community Cyber Security since 2002. The CIAS developed the Community Cyber Security Maturity Model (CCSMM) as a result of lessons learned over several years of working with states and communities to help them develop their own cybersecurity programs. At the time, and at some level still today, most of the Nation’s cybersecurity focus is at the federal level and the various critical infrastructures.
Some Feedback
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Who we are
The Center for Infrastructure Assurance & Security (CIAS) was established at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in June of 2001 as part of UTSA’s creation of a cybersecurity program. The university was initially recognized in 2002 by the National Security Agency as a leader in the field of infrastructure assurance and security as it was designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security tasked the CIAS to lead its Information Sharing and Analysis Organization Standards Organization (ISAO SO), a non-governmental organization, to facilitate the implementation of Presidential Executive Order 13691.
For nearly 20 years, the CIAS has been delivering quality research, training, competition and exercise programs to advance community and organizational cybersecurity capabilities and collaboration.
Our Cybersecurity Skills
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Meet the team
Dr. Greg White
Executive Director
Dr. Greg White is the director of the CIAS at UTSA and serves as the executive director of the CIAS-ISAO and ISAO Standards Organization.
Larry Sjelin
Chief of Staff
Larry Sjelin is the chief of staff of the CIAS-ISAO and the ISAO Standards Organization, as well as the director of educational game development at the CIAS at UTSA.
Natalie Sjelin
Director of Training
Natalie Sjelin serves as the director of training for the CIAS-ISAO.
Jeremy West
Community Advisor
Jeremy West is an advisor for the CIAS-ISAO and ISAO Standards Organization (ISAO SO).
Julina Macy
Director of Communications
Julian Macy works with community partners to increase awareness of the CIAS cybersecurity information sharing efforts, training initiatives, cyber defense competitions and STEM cybersecurity development programs.