--- title: "The UTSA CIAS • Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security" description: "We deliver quality research, training, cyber competitions, exercises and K-12 cybersecurity programs to advance community cyber capabilities and collaboration." language: "en-US" canonical_url: "https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/" source_url: "https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/" content_type: "text/markdown" --- ### The University of Texas at San Antonio's **C**ENTER for **I**NFRASTRUCTURE **A**SSURANCE & **S**ECURITY UT San Antonio has been designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. [ Join Newsletter ](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/hVMuEyw/enewsletter) # The Leader in Advancement of State and Community Cybersecurity Since its establishment in 2001, the CIAS has been on the leading edge of designing, developing, and delivering high-quality, high-impact cybersecurity programs. The CIAS currently provides cybersecurity programs focused on training, workforce development, K-12 education, information sharing, competitions and simulations, exercises, and research. [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctd/) ### [ Cyber Threat Defender ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctd/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctp/) ### [ Cyber Threat Protector ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctp/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctg/) ### [ Cyber Threat Guardian ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/ctg/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/professional/) ### [ Certification Courses ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/professional/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/customized/) ### [ Customized Training ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/customized/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/microtrainings/) ### [ Microtrainings ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/microtrainings/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/c4/) ### [ Cybersecurity Clinic ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/c4/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/research/maturity-model/) ### [ Maturity Model (CCSMM) ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/research/maturity-model/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/ncpc/) ### [ No-Cost Training (NCPC) ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/ncpc/) [ ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/hivestorm/) ### [ Hivestorm Competition ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/hivestorm/) ### 25+ Years at UT San Antonio The CIAS has been working to create a culture of cybersecurity and improving the nation’s cybersecurity posture since 2001! Take a look back at our history and activities in the [CIAS’ 20th Anniversary ](https://cdn.getshifter.co/fd026a43ee1b7b095c768a9039a2a236c0a0d590/uploads/2025/04/CIAS_20Yr_AR.pdf)[Report here](https://cdn.getshifter.co/fd026a43ee1b7b095c768a9039a2a236c0a0d590/uploads/2025/04/CIAS_20Yr_AR.pdf). Ponemon Institute study 2014 In the nation for undergraduate cybersecurity # 10 Universities.com ranking 2016 In the nation for graduate cybersecurity # 10 National Security Agency NSA Designations 1 ### Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research Cyber Operations K-12 Education ### Gaming Committed to creating a culture of cybersecurity nationwide, the CIAS focuses on K-12 education that introduces students to cybersecurity principles through educational gaming and storytelling. Our goals are to create *good cyber hygiene* and *awareness of cyber careers*. [ arrow-icon-size3 All K-12 Education ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/k-12/) ## Played In Countries 1 high-quality, high-impact ### Cybersecurity Training Courses Seminars Workshops Our training efforts focus on improving overall cybersecurity awareness, technical capabilities, professional development and continuity plans. We’ve been helping professionals, organizations and communities prevent, detect, respond to and recover from cyber incidents for more than 20 years. [ arrow-icon-size3 All Training ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/) ## Reached Small Businesses 1 high-quality, high-impact ### Competitions For more than 20 years, the CIAS has hosted competitions such as the [National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/nccdc/), [Panoply](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/panoply/) and [HiveStorm](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/hivestorm/), and (co-founded) [CyberPatriot](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/cyberpatriot/). The CIAS has been developing and conducting competition programs to educate, train and prepare individuals for the cybersecurity workforce since 2005. [ arrow-icon-size3 All Competitions ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/competitions/) ## 2024 Competitors Worldwide 1 ,000 World Leader Leading the [ISAO Standards Organization](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/info-sharing/isao-so/) since 2015 and helping SLTTs establish comprehensive cybersecurity programs, the CIAS actively engages the information sharing community to promote secure, rapid and widespread information sharing that helps detect and block cyber-attacks. ### Information Sharing [ arrow-icon-size3 More Information Sharing ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/info-sharing/) ## CIAS-ISAO Members 1 ## National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium ### Filling the cybersecurity gap since 2004 [ View Our Courses ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/training/ncpc/) ### A Collaboration of Five Universities [ ](https://nationalcpc.org/) [ ](https://nationalcpc.org/) [ ](https://nationalcpc.org/) [ ](https://nationalcpc.org/) [ ](https://nationalcpc.org/) [ arrow-icon-size3 NCPC Website ](https://nationalcpc.org/) ### Testimonials ## This Is What They Say “NCCDC challenges students’ ability to work together as a team, and rely on their critical thinking skills to apply their knowledge real-time in a stressful situation.” Tom NedorostUCF Coach “The quality of the presentation [on Continuity Planning] and the value of the content easily makes this the best webinar I have attended since the plague days started. CIAS-ISAO aren't the ones to steal on.” James GasserCity of Austin “My students love playing Cyber Threat Defender. We use it in my computer repair course, and it is really the only exposure to security they get. I find that as they continue to play the game and get used to the available cards, they are also getting a basic understanding of the different threats and security features that are out there.” Jason SmithBenjamin Logan High School “An excellent course [on Organizational Information Sharing] to begin, enhance or refine your information sharing life cycle. The scenarios really help to step outside your own POV that adds to the overall thought process.” Lonie PackerTrinity Valley Community College “Awesome, thank you so much! My students have been diving into the game and have enjoyed learning how to play. The use of vocabulary has been amazing, and the conversations have been on track with what I have been wanting them to talk about during computer science class.” Nikki ParkerIraan High School Shape ### Press Coverage ## We're in the News ### [ Georgia Recorder: Cyber attack headaches linger at state patrol, other Ga. agencies ](https://georgiarecorder.com/2019/09/09/cyber-attack-headaches-linger-at-state-patrol-other-ga-agencies/#new_tab) (September 9, 2019) — Cyber attacks that hit some state agencies in Georgia earlier this summer continue to ripple through the system, particularly for law enforcement and the courts. Meanwhile, security officials work to boost software safeguards and train thousands of employees to avoid triggering future attacks. … All Georgia government agencies should instruct employees not to open suspicious emails or documents, said Greg White, the director of the CIAS. ### [ Kens5.com: Understanding Cyber Attacks ](http://bit.ly/36PIc1N#new_tab) (January 12, 2020) — In light of the overseas conflict, there’s been a lot of talk about the nation’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Dwayne Williams, associate director at the CIAS, provides insights into cyber attacks and how families can protect their homes from cybersecurity vulnerabilities in this Kens5.com interview. [![Community exercise with C4 students](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/c4-candid-e1759330750127-768x321.webp)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/craig-newmark-philanthropies-awards-grant-to-cias-community-cybersecurity-clinic/) News ### [ Craig Newmark Philanthropies awards grant to CIAS Community Cybersecurity Clinic ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/craig-newmark-philanthropies-awards-grant-to-cias-community-cybersecurity-clinic/) The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $100,000 grant from Craig Newmark Philanthropies [![Silver Award Digital Badge for the 2025 International Serious Play Awards](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SP_2025-silver.png)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/cyber-threat-defender-wins-silver-medal-in-serious-play-awards-annual-international-competition/) CIAS In The News ### [ Cyber Threat Defender Wins Silver Medal in Serious Play Awards Annual International Competition ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/cyber-threat-defender-wins-silver-medal-in-serious-play-awards-annual-international-competition/) SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is proud ### [ Hackers can Hijack Your Home with these 10 Smart Devices ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/hackers-can-hijack-your-home-with-these-10-smart-devices/) BLOG — The Internet is full of stories of cybercriminals invading a home by hijacking its smart devices. You’re probably familiar with some of these devices, such as smart thermostats, smart speakers and Web cams. But have you thought about that fancy new refrigerator you just purchased, or your light bulbs? To help you navigate some common – and often forgotten – smart devices in your home, we’ve compiled 10 Internet of Things (IoT) devices that hackers can hijack. ### [ ExpressNews.com: Leaders tout San Antonio’s defenses against cyber attacks ](https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Leaders-tout-San-Antonio-s-defenses-against-14368841.php?fbclid=IwAR1C6W5EGn1Kis8ZkgosC0PN2Ul1T1Kn-S8wmPAkAQcWr4wr2urldvBdK3s#photo-18140389#new_tab) (August 21, 2019) — After hackers last week hijacked the data of 22 Texas towns, tech experts in San Antonio this week said the city isn’t impervious to such attacks — but it has one of the strongest cyber defenses of any U.S. community. “We still have a lot to do,” said Greg White, a leading regional cybersecurity expert and director of the CIAS at UTSA. “But we’re on the right path.” [![2023 NCCDC National Champions Stanford University](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Stanford_1st-Place-e1683057967959-768x346.jpeg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/stanford-university-wins-2023-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition/) Competitions ### [ Stanford University wins 2023 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/stanford-university-wins-2023-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition/) 18th annual competition trains next generation of cybersecurity professionals DALLAS (May 1, 2023) – Stanford University competed against nine other student-led teams to become champion ### [ Avoiding credit card fraud during the pandemic ](https://bit.ly/31apZKK#new_tab) (July 28, 2020) — Social distancing means more time at home and often more online shopping. Protect yourself from credit card fraud while you protect your health from the coronavirus. [![CIAS Executive Director Natalie Sjelin](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/natalie-sjelin-portrait-768x420.webp)](https://news.utsa.edu/2026/02/university-leaders-name-new-executive-director-of-the-center-for-infrastructure-assurance-and-security/#new_tab) CIAS In The News ### [ University leaders name new executive director of the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security ](https://news.utsa.edu/2026/02/university-leaders-name-new-executive-director-of-the-center-for-infrastructure-assurance-and-security/#new_tab) “Natalie brings continuity and a clear understanding of CIAS’s mission,” said Fred Martin, interim dean of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing at UT Shape Tagged center for infrastructure assurance and security, cias, culture of cybersecurity, cybersecurity competitions, cybersecurity training, utsa, utsa cyber security, utsa cybersecurity