VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University Information Technology Department Chair and Associate Professor Jaci Lederman has earned the EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer certification.

The CCISO Certification is an industry-leading program that recognizes the real-world experience necessary to succeed at the highest executive levels of information security.

Exam candidates must provide evidence demonstrating industry experience or competency in five domains: Governance and Risk Management; Information Security Controls, Compliance, and Audit Management; Security Program Management Operations; Information Security Core Competencies; and Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Vendor Management. Being able to understand different frameworks that set protocols for how technology should be deployed and managed within organizations such as the Department of Defense or publicly traded companies subject to regulatory compliance is a major component of the exam certification.

“Some people might not realize all the different areas that IT encompasses,” Lederman said. “I feel this certification is valuable because it helps me in my role as IT Department Chair to ensure our degree programs are aligned with industry needs and standards.

“Managing risk is a large part of information security, and understanding why an organization is required to follow National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), International Standards Organization (ISO) or Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) will impact how or why something is done. Teaching our students technology skills is very important, but being able to teach skills along with understanding the compliance or risk mitigation tactic behind why certain actions are taken will make them better prepared to work in different industries and organizations.

“This certification highlights the need to make information and cyber security a priority at the beginning of any technology project. The curriculum development within the Information Technology Department has to use this same approach. From networking to application development, security and cyber security is a focal point of learning.”

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 17 countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom