EDS Launches Its Cyber Security Institute

Electronic Data Systems Corp. launched its Cyber Security Institute April 4 to provide information technology professionals and consumers with computer security skills to fight hackers, security breaches and viruses.

Systems integrator EDS of Plano, Texas, started CSI for internal use in November 2000. Now companies and consumers worldwide can access its interactive, on-demand courses.

"Hardly a day goes by without a computer virus threatening businesses and individuals, or a hacker breaking into a supposedly secure computer system," said EDS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dick Brown. "There is a great deal to be done to assure the security and privacy of computer data, and making the EDS Cyber Security Institute available to the public is a step in that direction. Now, through e-learning, we are able to effectively make EDS' vast store of knowledge on information assurance available to a broad audience."

According to a June 2000 survey by the Information Technology Association of America and EDS, 67 percent of Americans feel threatened by or are concerned about cybercrime. Furthermore, a 2001 Computer Crime and Security Survey by the Computer Security Institute and the FBI, found 85 percent of respondents (mostly large companies and government agencies) detected computer security breaches in the previous 12 months.

EDS officials said the institute is a cost-effective method for training in critical security topics, such as secure system administration, firewalls, network security, risk assessment, incident handling and response, threats, vulnerabilities and countermeasures.

EDS' Web Universities and Training group teamed with DigitalThink Inc. of San Francisco, a provider of Web-based learning, to host and deliver the institute's courses. Individuals or business groups can begin a course anytime and anywhere.

Throughout CSI's more technical courses, students will have access to online tutors and subject matter experts who can personally answer questions and clarify complex security issues.

"Information security and privacy are among the top CEO agenda items today," said John McCain, president of EDS' E.solutions line of business. "Two of the core value propositions of EDS are protecting the information assets of its clients and innovative training techniques. The EDS Cyber Security Institute leverages our industry-leading expertise in both areas."