By Heather Caliendo
The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY — The University of Tulsa is expanding its security research department.

TU's Institute for Information Security, known as iSec, will receive $2.5 million from a National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Appropriations Act appropriation.

"We anticipate creating a new center for software testing for information security," said John Hale, director of iSec. "Information security is something that has become a staple. "

The center may create an educational pathway for law enforcement, government employees and the military, he said. The facility will provide training opportunities for security education.

"Creating a facility will help them in their quest to field systems to check their security," said Hale.

The institute is housed at Keplinger Hall on the TU campus. Hale said the funding allows them to enhance and add on to their current facilities. One of the new projects in the works is a critical infrastructure protection laboratory.

Hale said the institute is evaluating bringing security training education online. They are looking into providing the training remotely to aircraft carriers, he said.

Created in 1996, the Center for Information Security has attracted more than $23 million in research grants and other funds since 2000.

TU officially launched iSec in 2007 to broaden research in the areas of digital forensics, critical infrastructure protection and enterprise security.

One active area is for the nation's critical infrastructure. For three years TU has worked with several other universities on a research program to protect supervisory control and data acquisition systems. The goal is to focus on cyber-security for the oil and gas industry.

Mauricio Papa said many systems in the oil and gas industry are computerized, which makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

"Access to these systems is crucial for the industry," said Papa, associate professor with the department of computer science. "We are still in the process of raising awareness and developing the tools specifically designed for the program. "

Several different industries may benefit from infrastructure protection, said Papa. He hopes the federal funding can help expand his research into electric power and water treatment plants.

Hale said iSec's ultimate economic benefit to the state is the students of the programs. About three companies have been launched by former iSec students.

"We create opportunities for our students to be entrepreneurs," said Hale. "Many of their ideas have commercial potential and we want to make sure they have the opportunity to fuel these ideas. "

While other job markets are letting go of employees, Hale said the information security sector is growing.

"People are becoming aware it is vital for the survival of a business or enterprise," he said. "I think we will find remarkable resilience in this uncertain economic climate. "

Copyright 2008 Dolan Media Newswires