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About Cyber Security & Society
Cyber technology has become pervasive and indispensable. Humans interact with cyber systems to conduct many of the tasks of their day-to-day lives. As cyber technology advances and the Internet of Everything becomes reality, it is critical that these systems are secure and that they operate for the benefit of humankind. The size, complexity and interconnectedness of these systems and their integration into the very fabric of our lives requires a holistic, sociotechnical approach to: a) understand the impact of these systems on society, especially how they affect human values such as privacy, freedom, democracy, individual autonomy, b) understand the risks and consequences of attacks on these systems and strategies to respond to attacks, and c) ensure that these systems operate as intended (secure and dependable) and the data they collect and process is secure from improper use.
What is needed is an ‘anticipatory’ approach; that is, an approach that considers these questions while cyber technology is still being developed and not after it has become deeply embedded, and we are compelled to learn only from failures and only when negative social consequences become apparent.
The mission of the Cyber Innovation and Society Initiative (CISI) is to carry out multidisciplinary research and education initiatives that focus on the complex technical, social and policy challenges posed by emerging cyber innovations to ensure that cyber technology benefits all of society equally, fairly and dependably.
Center of Academic Excellence (CAE)
The Cyber Innovation and Society Initiative (CISI) supports the University of Virginia's Department of Computer Science's programs in cybersecurity, including the Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in research (CAE-R) designation held by the Department of Computer Science and the validated Program of Study (PoS) for the undergraduate Cybersecurity Focal Path. The CAE-CD designation is currently under review.
The POC for the cybersecurity programs is Professor Jack Davidson. More information about the cybersecurity programs is available on the Education page.
Cyber News and Events
The University of Virginia's cybersecurity team took 2nd place in the Virginia Cyber Cup competition. Cyber Fusion is an invitation-only event for the 27 Virginia colleges that are NSA/NHS designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). George Mason University took first place and the College of William and Mary finished third.
The University of Virginia's Cyber Team showcased their exceptional skills and teamwork at the Virginia Cyber Fusion Competition held in Lexington, Virginia in February 21-23, 2025. The team earned 3rd place among competition that included approximately 130 students with 30 of their faculty from 18 colleges in the state.
