--- title: "CIAS News • The UTSA CIAS" description: "To request an interview with the CIAS or learn more about the following articles, contact Julina Macy or email cias@utsa.edu." language: "en-US" canonical_url: "https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/news/" source_url: "https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/news/" content_type: "text/markdown" --- ## News & Updates To request an interview with the CIAS or learn more about the following articles, contact [Julina Macy](mailto:Julina.Macy@utsa.edu) or email [cias@utsa.edu](mailto:cias@utsa.edu). [![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 February 11, 2026 [![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 September 29, 2025 [![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 September 22, 2025 [![UC Irvine team holding the Alamo Cup trophy after winning the 20th Annual National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UTF-8UniversityofCaliforniaIrvine-768x432.webp)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-california-irvine-wins-alamo-cup-at-20th-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-championshi/) Competitions ### [ University of California, Irvine wins Alamo Cup at 20th National Collegiate Cyber Defense Championship ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-california-irvine-wins-alamo-cup-at-20th-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-championshi/) University of California, Irvine triumphed at the 2025 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Championship (NCCDC), prevailing over nine other finalist teams to earn the coveted Alamo May 2, 2025 [![The UCF team taking a group photo after being winning the 2024 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240427_135100-768x369.jpg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2024-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition-for-sixth-time/) Competitions ### [ University of Central Florida wins 2024 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for Sixth Time ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2024-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition-for-sixth-time/) 19th annual competition trains the next generation of cybersecurity professionals amid current skills shortage SAN ANTONIO (April 27, 2024) – University of Central Florida competed April 29, 2024 [![](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cybersecurity-stock_680.png)](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2023/10/story/UTSA-awarded-500K-grant-from-Google-to-expand-cybersecurity-clinic%20.html#new_tab) CIAS In The News ### [ UTSA awarded $500K grant from Google to expand CIAS cybersecurity clinic ](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2023/10/story/UTSA-awarded-500K-grant-from-Google-to-expand-cybersecurity-clinic%20.html#new_tab) The UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) received a $500,000 grant from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to grow the UTSA/CIAS Cyber Clinic. The clinic is a long-term initiative focused on strengthening cybersecurity knowledge among UTSA students and the community at large by hosting on-campus classes and workshops at the offices of local organizations. October 19, 2023 [![Alan CyBear hugging a student with other kids around him](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cybear-visit_680.png)](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2023/09/story/department-of-education-invites-utsa-and-alan-cybear.html#new_tab) CIAS In The News ### [ U.S. Department of Education invites Alan CyBear to teach kids about cybersecurity ](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2023/09/story/department-of-education-invites-utsa-and-alan-cybear.html#new_tab) Alan CyBear, the “Smokey Bear” of cybersecurity, made an appearance in Washington, D.C. last week with the CIAS at the 9th Annual ED Games Expo, September 25, 2023 [![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 May 2, 2023 [![A team working together at NCCDC 2023](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC00806-scaled-e1682455727817-768x384.jpg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/field-set-for-2023-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition-championship/) Competitions ### [ Field Set for 2023 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Championship ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/field-set-for-2023-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition-championship/) Top 10 teams in the nation will meet in Dallas to compete April 28-30 DALLAS, TEXAS—The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at The April 25, 2023 ### [ UTSA supporting White House Office of the National Cybersecurity Director workforce initiatives ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/utsa-supporting-white-house-office-of-the-national-cybersecurity-director-workforce-initiatives/) With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is hosting a conference to accelerate workforce initiatives prioritized February 27, 2023 [![Business professionals in audience listening a speaker](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/white-house-nscc_680.png)](https://cias.utsa.edu/academia-conference/) News ### [ Coming Feb 28: Academia Involvement in Community Cybersecurity Conference ](https://cias.utsa.edu/academia-conference/) January 20, 2023 [![Alan CyBear posing in front of the UT San Antonio main campus entrance sign](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC01882-768x512.jpg)](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2022/11/story/utsa-introduces-alan-cybear.html) News ### [ Introducing Alan CyBear, the Smokey Bear of Cybersecurity ](https://www.utsa.edu/today/2022/11/story/utsa-introduces-alan-cybear.html) The cultural icon Smokey Bear, with his yellow hat and wildfire prevention tagline, has been familiar to Americans for decades. Likewise, McGruff the Crime Dog, who encouraged the public to “Take a bite out of crime.” Today, younger generations have the Safetypup to help children learn about safety issues from law enforcement. Each of these famous characters has helped encourage a culture of security. But what about a culture of cybersecurity? November 22, 2022 [![A sample view of the CIAS website](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Promo.png)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/the-cias-launches-new-website-to-support-utsas-cybersecurity-capabilities/) News ### [ The CIAS launches new website to support UTSA’s cybersecurity capabilities ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/the-cias-launches-new-website-to-support-utsas-cybersecurity-capabilities/) The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is proud to announce the release of its renewed website. The new website features a responsive design that aligns with the university’s main website. It also supports the CIAS mission to deliver quality research, training cyber competitions, K-12 cybersecurity programs to advance community and organizational cybersecurity capabilities and collaboration. June 29, 2022 [![Incident Response - Lessons to be Better Prepared](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Incident-Response-Planning.png)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/incident-response-lessons-to-be-better-prepared/) Tips ### [ Incident Response – Lessons to be Better Prepared ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/incident-response-lessons-to-be-better-prepared/) BLOG — Incident response addresses the question: “How well did you prepare?” Your response to that question is directly related to your preparation. This supports the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—or response. This article takes a look at five basic lessons to consider when mitigating incidents to help you prepare and prevent a potential cyber incident. June 28, 2022 [![2022 NCCDC Championship Team](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022NCCDC-Champs-Photo-with-Trophy-cropped-768x512.jpg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2022-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition/) News ### [ University of Central Florida wins 2022 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2022-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-competition/) SAN ANTONIO (April 25, 2022) – The University of Central Florida competed against nine other student-led teams to become champion of the 2022 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC), presented by the CIAS in partnership with the competition’s presenting sponsor Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business. This year, more than 1,500 competitors from 171 schools across the country participated in the 17th annual NCCDC, held in San Antonio from April 21-23. April 23, 2022 [![Graphic about six cybersecurity tips for travelers](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Travel-Tips.jpg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/six-easy-cyber-security-tips-for-travelers/) Tips ### [ Six (Easy) Cyber Security Tips for Travelers ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/six-easy-cyber-security-tips-for-travelers/) BLOG – Before your family begins to plan out your travel games and scenic views in favor of their favorite electronic pastime, make sure you, your friends and family are prepped and ready to travel. And no, this doesn’t simply mean making sure the car’s oil has been changed or everyone’s passports are current. Take a few minutes to read our top six cyber security tips for travelers. It’s easier than you think to be a cyber secure traveler today. March 10, 2022 ### [ Learn How to Create an Effective Password ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/learn-how-to-create-an-effective-password/) BLOG – To create effective passwords, let’s begin by making sure we’re all on the same page about what is a password. Passwords are a form of identification that people use to prove their identity when logging in to a system. Create an effective password that is memorable, but complex. Generally, longer passwords are stronger passwords. If you forget a password or it is easily accessible by others, then that password is no longer useful or effective. December 10, 2021 [![Angelo State University and CIAS Director taking a photo at press event](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DSC_8251.jpg)](https://www.angelo.edu/live/news/18544-angelo-state-utsa-partner-for-cybersecurity#new_tab) CIAS In The News ### [ Angelo State and UTSA Partner for Cybersecurity Pilot Program in San Angelo ](https://www.angelo.edu/live/news/18544-angelo-state-utsa-partner-for-cybersecurity#new_tab) SAN ANGELO, Texas (August 26, 2021) – The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, as part of the National Security Agency (NSA), has awarded a grant in the amount of $1.67 million to the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to help communities become more cyber secure nationwide. August 26, 2021 ### [ School district pays hefty ransom to resolve cyberattack ](https://bit.ly/3AfvaJ8#new_tab) (August 4, 2021) — Judson Independent School District paid a more than $500,000 ransom to hackers who threatened to publish “sensitive, identifiable information” on the dark web and crippled the district’s information technology systems for a month, the district announced Wednesday. . . . Ransomware attacks are “one of, if not the most common, attacks impacting organizations” today, said Greg White, UTSA computer science professor and CIAS director. August 5, 2021 [![2021 NCCDC First Place winners taking a team photo](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/UCF_FirstPlace.jpg)](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2021-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-championship/) News ### [ University of Central Florida wins 2021 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Championship ](https://yoczw4a14t54p3l.onstatic.studio/university-of-central-florida-wins-2021-national-collegiate-cyber-defense-championship/) SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 9, 2021) — University of Central Florida prevailed over nine other schools to win the 2021 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and the coveted Alamo Cup. The national championship, sponsored by Raytheon Technologies Corporation, was held in an entirely virtual setting. August 2, 2021 Tagged cias media, cias news, cyber security news, cybersecurity news