The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a leader in cyber education and research, and the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) is leading the way. Learn more about our cyber programs and designations, and join us in the future of cyber innovation.
UW-Madison Cyber Research Forum with U.S. Cyber Command
UW–Madison hosted a delegation from U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and the National Security Agency (NSA) led by Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman on November 21, 2024. Learn more, see a photo essay, and stay tuned for what’s next!
UW–Madison is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the National Security Agency (NSA). This prestigious designation underscores UW–Madison’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and research and recognizes its position as a leader in the field.
NSA headquarters, Fort Meade, Maryland
“This designation recognizes that our faculty, staff, and students are on the forefront of Cyber Research, and it is amongst the most important research that we do. As a Center of Academic Excellence, we have the opportunity to address hard questions and deepen our impact.”
Eric Wilcots, Dean, UW–Madison College of Letters & Science
UW–Madison is a founding member of the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) Academic Engagement Network (AEN). This network assists USCYBERCOM in its mission of advancing critical national information networks, providing support for mission execution, and strengthening the nation’s ability to withstand and respond to cyberattacks.
The U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) pays tuition and fees plus a stipend for students in cyber-related programs at CAE-designated institutions. Following graduation, students are eligible for full-time employment with the DoD. Students work for the DoD one year for each year of scholarship support they receive.
Cyber Badger is an annual student exercise conducted as a part of CS 542 Software Security, featuring real-world cyber scenarios developed and executed with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Energy (DOE), Wisconsin National Guard (WING), and other federal, state, local, and industry partners.
Contact
Program Manager
Dave Schroeder, Associate Director for Intelligence and Security Initiatives, CRISP, College of Letters & Science, dave.schroeder@wisc.edu
Co-Principal Investigators
Patrick McDaniel
Tsun-Ming Shih Professor of Computer Sciences
Research Program Manager: Melissa Schreier
Bart Miller
Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor
Amar & Balinder Sohi Professor in Computer Sciences
Affiliated Faculty and Organizations
The UW–Madison Security and Privacy Research Group (MadS&P) is the computer security and privacy research group at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
The Wisconsin Information Security Center (WISC), led by the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC), accelerates the growth of a high-tech, knowledge-based workforce with capabilities to provide secure cyber and research solutions to problems of national security importance.
UW–Madison is a founding member of the Intelligence and Security University Research Enterprise (INSURE), a national resource for the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise in artificial intelligence, autonomy, and advanced computing.
In addition to research, we seek talented undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the Research for Intelligence & Security Challenges (RISC) Initiative internship program. This 10-week paid and mostly virtual program pairs students with faculty mentors and the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Eligible interns may receive security clearances and be considered for future employment with the U.S. government.
- Apply for RISC 2025 — applications due by Feb 3, 2025
UW–Madison partners with the Wisconsin National Guard Cyber Protection Team (CPT), Defensive Cyberspace Operations Element (DCOE), and Wisconsin’s volunteer Cyber Response Team (CRT) for cybersecurity exercises like Cyber Badger, subject matter expertise, and reciprocal facility access for specialized requirements.
Other Resources
- Cybersecurity UW — Cybersecurity UW (CSEC) is a student run organization that allows its members to learn and explore cybersecurity in a collaborative environment.
- Undergraduate Projects Lab (UPL) — The UPL is a lab in the computer science department that provides a space for students with an interest in computer science to meet each other, work on projects together, and participate in events.
- MadHacks — MadHacks is a hackathon with a long, successful history in the Madison area and has been one of the largest hackathons in the midwest.
News
U.S. Cyber Command visit highlights UW–Madison’s leadership in cyber research and education
The University of Wisconsin–Madison plays a leading role as a research and education partner for national cybersecurity. It reinforced this commitment recently by welcoming to campus a delegation from the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), …
U.S. Cyber Command Deputy Commander Highlights Collaboration, Innovation at UW-Madison Tech Talk
Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman, Deputy Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and industry during a keynote address at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For Army scholars, an MS in Data Engineering offers advanced training in a high-demand field
Beyond professional development, the MSDE program serves those who serve.
UW–Madison Hosts Cyber Badger Exercise, Continues Cybersecurity Engagement with Partners
Over 120 UW–Madison students responded to a major cyberattack with the help of government, law enforcement, and military partners.
UW–Madison Awarded Prestigious National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Research Designation
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the National Security Agency (NSA).
University of Wisconsin–Madison Launches Open Source Intelligence Project with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The University of Wisconsin–Madison published its first project on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Tearline open source intelligence platform, a pioneering analysis focused on small passenger vehicles in Hamhung, North Korea.
Students collaborate with government agencies and respond to simulated cyberattack
Over 130 students in CS 542, Introduction to Software Security, gathered for several hours in Union South’s Varsity Hall to learn about the real world challenges they will face when implementing secure software and systems.
UW–Madison expands government and academic cyber cooperation with cyber tabletop exercise for second year
University of Wisconsin–Madison Computer Sciences students aren’t waiting for the new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS) building to be complete before getting together in large numbers to work on today’s most challenging cybersecurity challenges.
UW-Madison cultivates new cyber academic cooperation, partnerships with government
Students in a UW-Madison software security course took part in the first cyber tabletop exercise facilitated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at an academic institution.
UW-Madison Joins U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been selected by U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) to join a new initiative to increase the nation’s capabilities in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development.
- More News