Securing the Seas: UNCW Bolsters Maritime Cybersecurity with Federal Boost

In a significant development for the maritime industry and cybersecurity education, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has secured a $625,000 federal investment aimed at expanding its maritime cybersecurity program. This funding, included in the fiscal year 2024 federal budget, marks a pivotal step in enhancing the security of the United States’ maritime sector, which is crucial to the national economy. Spearheaded by Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina, the initiative seeks to address the escalating cyber threats facing the maritime industry by fostering a highly trained workforce equipped with sector-specific cybersecurity skills.

UNCW is poised to lead this charge by integrating the new funding into the development of advanced cybersecurity standards and training programs tailored to the maritime industry’s unique needs. This initiative not only expands upon the university’s current cybersecurity curriculum but also serves as a crucial investment in the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and information. Director Ulku Clark underscored the importance of this endeavor, noting UNCW’s commitment to supporting the blue economy through enhanced collaboration and specialized training that meets the industry’s increasing demand for cybersecurity expertise.