National Initiative Cybersecurity Education (NICE)

For more information please visit the National Initiative Cybersecurity Education (NICE) website at:
http://www.nist.gov/nice/

Cybersecurity has been identified as one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) was established to help face this challenge head on with a strategy to build a cyber savvy nation through training, awareness, K through post-graduate educational programs, and professional development for federal security professionals.

May 29, 2010 marks one year since the Administration announced the creation of NICE. Co-leading the effort are the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Education (DOE), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), already working to build international consensus in a variety of domains of science and technology, has been given a coordination role in the initiative. NIST supports the Administration’s cyberspace mission, along with the larger agenda for education and innovation, through the coordination, cooperation, focus, public engagement, technology transfer, and sustainability of NICE. While each of the co-leads have specific accountabilities within the initiative, implementation of the initiative will be very much a collaborative effort between federal, state and local government, industry, academia, non-government organizations and the general public. NIST will help to facilitate that collaboration, in part through this website.

The site will evolve as the initiative matures. It’s form and function will depend highly upon the partnerships and other collaborations that are spawned. Expect to visit the Web site often for up-to-date information on Cybersecurity, including expert commentary and advice; links to educational materials and programs at all levels; and upcoming events and workshops. There will be opportunities to share best practices in use at State and local levels and across federal agencies, as well as grassroots news and activities.

NICE will establish an operational, sustainable, and continually improving Cybersecurity education program for multiple segments of the nation on correct application of sound cyber practices. NIST is happy to be an integral part.

• August 11-12, 2010, Held a NICE Workshop titled "Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Education".