Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) currently has a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Cybersecurity, a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with Emphasis in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a specialization in Cybersecurity, and a PhD in Applied Science and Engineering with a Supplementary Area of Study of Computer Science with an emphasis in Cybersecurity. These programs are the only of their kind in Puerto Rico.
Programs at PUPR have consistently received accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), ABET, and the Council of Education of Puerto Rico (CEPR). Current estimated enrollment figures at PUPR are over 4,000 students specifically in the engineering disciplines. PUPR has become a strategic STEM Research & Education Minority Serving Institution (MSI) in the Caribbean. One of PUPR’s specific goals is “To develop research skills in the students and to provide scientific research within the academic community”. All these programs service a large, mainly Hispanic under-represented student population. Since the development of the two graduate certificates in Forensics and Cybersecurity, more than 100 students have received the certificates and 50 more students are currently enrolled in both certificate programs. PUPR has also graduated more than 150 students from the MS CS and MS CpE programs in the Cybersecurity specialization. Many of these are now working with the DoD, NavSea, Air Force, FBI, CIA, NSA, DHS, MITRE, John Hopkins, MIT Lincoln Labs, Sandia Labs, Navy, Oak Ridge, LLNL, DoE, among others. This is proof that cyber security education is in great demand in federal organizations, providing career opportunities that are well remunerated. PUPR is a reliable pipeline to supply this demand.
We offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS CS) of 122 credits. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is one of the few CS programs accredited by ABET. The summary of the program components is as follows:
| Table 1. Summary of BS CS Curriculum | |
| Component | Credits |
| Mathematics | 14 |
| Basic Science | 14 |
| Socio-Humanistic Studies & Language | 18 |
| Engineering Sciences | 3 |
| Basic Computer Science | 58 |
| Management Courses | 3 |
| Cybersecurity Track | 12 |
| Total: | 122 |
In the last two years of the program students take courses such as: Data Structure, Advanced Programming, Software Engineering, Computer Architecture for CS Majors, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Database Systems, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computational Theory, and Final CS Project Design, among others. The emphasis for these NSF-SFS Scholars is to develop a Final Project Design in Cybersecurity. The following four (4) cybersecurity courses are considered for the Track: Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Computer Forensics, and Reverse Engineering & Software Protection. All these cybersecurity courses have been offered since 2010 at the Institution.
We also offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS CpE) of 149 credits. Students eligible for the NSF-SFS will be enrolled in a cybersecurity track that has a key component of three courses (3 credits each for a total of 9 credits).The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is also accredited by ABET. The summary of the program components is as follows:
| Table 2: Summary of BS CpE Curriculum | |
| Component | Credits |
| Mathematics | 15 |
| Basic Science | 14 |
| Socio-Humanistic Studies & Language | 21 |
| Engineering Sciences | 9 |
| Basic Computer Engineering | 81 |
| Cybersecurity Track | 9 |
| Total: | 149 |
In the last two years of the program students take courses such as: Data Communication and Networks, Software Engineering; Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Microprocessors, Database Systems, DSP, Capstone Design, among others. The emphasis for these NSF-SFS Scholars is to develop a Capstone Design in Cybersecurity. The following cybersecurity courses are considered for the Track: Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Computer Forensics, and Reverse Engineering & Software Protection. All these cybersecurity courses have been offered since 2010 at the Institution.
The MS CS program offers a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Degree requirements for the thesis option are thirty-three (33) credits, which include the completion of twenty-seven (27) credits of coursework and six (6) credits of approved thesis work. The thesis subject matter is to be approved by the student’s graduate advisor and the thesis committee. Degree requirements for the non-thesis option are thirty-nine (39) credits that include thirty-six (36) credits of coursework and three (3) credits of a final project course. Core courses provide students with a solid foundation for technology applications and advanced studies in networking, computer security, computer forensics, and other CS topics.Annual offerings demonstrate that there is a demand to offer the courses and that there are enough students to maintain a solid MS CS program. Please see curriculum and program structure below:
Core Courses: (Required: 15 credits for Thesis and non-Thesis Option) – Advanced Design and Analysis of Algorithms; Computational Theory; Principles of Information Security; IT Operations; and Computer Forensics.
Specialization in Cybersecurity Courses: (Required: 12 credits for Thesis and Non-Thesis Option) – Advanced Database Systems; Computer Security; Network Security; and Advanced Computer Forensics.
After completing the required Core and Cybersecurity Specialization courses the student with the non-thesis option may opt for one of these Emphasis Areas (9 credits).
Non-Thesis Project Option – Non-thesis option students are required to complete the Final Project (3 credits) after completing the core, specialization, and emphasis area courses.
Thesis Project Option – Thesis option students are required to complete the Final Thesis Project (6 credits) after completing the core and specialization courses.
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) is also offering a PhD program where security is one of the core research areas. Initiative focuses on developing an Interdisciplinary PhD in Engineering Science. Students will master two core areas (in Computer Science and Engineering) straddling the interdisciplinary research area of security. The program structure and curriculum are shown below:
Program Structure/Curriculum: Engineering and Applied Sciences Ph.D. Degree
The interdisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences Ph.D. Degree requires completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours of approved graduate level course work. Figure 1 presents a block diagram of the program structure.
The interdisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences Ph.D. degree requires a Principal Area of Study (major) in the field of Engineering. PhD students that are candidates for the NSF-SFS will be in the Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs. In addition, they will seek the degree in the Supplementary Area of Study of Computer Science with the emphasis in Cybersecurity that includes courses in topics such as: Network Security, Digital Forensics, Data Mining and Warehousing, and Computer Security, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, among others.
There is a great demand for professionals that can bring solutions through collaboration, public awareness and the introduction of new methods of Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is an area that presents great challenges requiring solutions that can only be obtained by means of research and innovation, which leads to the introduction of new products and services.
Dr. Alfredo Cruz, Executive Director of the PUPR-CAE CD designation has strengthened the Cybersecurity specialization in the Master of Science in Computer Science program, and the Master of Science in Computer Engineering, by offering excellent curricular alternatives that provide students the security skills and knowledge to react to real world situations in the workplace (Government and Industry). We also continue to attract and retain high-profile researchers in Computer Science and Engineering thus increasing the number and quality of Hispanic student and faculty participation by fostering the integration of research and education in Cybersecurity.
Dr. Alfredo Cruz and Dr. Duffany, have contributed significantly to the development of the Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance and Security (GCIAS) in 2009, and the development of the Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics (GCDF) in 2012 that is currently seeking local accreditation by the Council of Education of Puerto Rico.
The GCIAS provides students and IT security professionals from private and public sectors with theoretical components and hands-on-practice in a curriculum that is specially designed to cover the managerial and technical aspects of Information Assurance and Security.
The GCDF will provide an in-depth introduction to key topics of digital forensics and provides a balanced teaching philosophy that contains both theory and hands-on practice. It is anticipated to attract people from local and national law enforcement agencies (and other public and private sectors) that need the background in this area to enhance their job skills and overall performance. The certificate is intended to provide exposure to current problems in a rapidly changing field and to encourage participants to experiment and learn firsthand innovative ideas and approaches.
In 2009 Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) was recognized as the first and only institution in Puerto Rico to be granted the special distinction from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE).
PUPR was one of the first 100 institutions to obtain this designation. With this designation as a CAE/IAE PUPR has obtained scholarships and fellowships that help outstanding students to pursue graduate studies in IA/CD, enabling them to work with the Federal Government or other federal institutions and agencies. The Institution is also constantly applying for Scholarships for Service (SFS) awards from the NSF; funds for faculty and student research; and many other benefits that are available for designated centers nationwide.
PUPR received recognition and an official certificate during the June 2009 CNSS Awards Ceremony, which were held at the 13th Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE). This certificate, signed by the CNSS Chair, was valid through June 2014. The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) program provides consistency in training and education for the information assurance skills that are critical to our nation.
In the process of obtaining the CAE/IAE designation Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico also became the first academic institution in the Caribbean to be certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) program validated the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico courseware as meeting all of the elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Training Standards for:
Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011
System Administrators (SA), CNSSI No. 4013 Entry Level
As a result of CNSS certification:
In 2014 PUPR received re-designation as a new CAE IA/CD designated by the DHS and the NSA. We still have the honor of being the first and only institution designated in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, having a strategic position in the southeast of the United States. The Institution counts with excellent resources to support the initiative of increasing local Information Assurance and Cyber Security education; and to develop outreach activities.
In 2021 PUPR is seeking re-designation as a CAE CD. The efforts to fulfill and maintain the required criteria to be designated as a CAE CD will be supported by the Director of the Center for Information Assurance for Research and Education (CIARE), Dr. Alfredo Cruz. He will network with the Graduate School (where he is Graduate Program Director) and the ECECS Department to enhance the curriculum; develop courses, programs, and certificates that will strengthen cybersecurity education at PUPR.
“The Center of Information Assurance for Research and Education (CIARE) of Puerto Rico in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science has the mission of promoting research, undergraduate and graduate education, and public outreach to benefit the Cyber Defense (CD) academic community and public in general, serving as a forum for students, faculty, and Cybersecurity professionals from different sectors of the economy. CIARE will help to produce more professionals with cybersecurity expertise in various disciplines to secure and protect local and national information resources and cyberspace infrastructures.”
In particular, the goals of CIARE are:
The Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science (ECECS) Department and the Graduate School at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) has developed curriculum for Cybersecurity related courses for the Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs at PUPR.
The Graduate School at PUPR continues to strengthen the Cybersecurity Specialization in the Master of Science in Computer Science (MS CS) Program by offering excellent curricular alternatives that provide students the security skills and knowledge to react to real world situations in the workplace (Government and Industry).
The MS CS program currently has an enrollment of more than 50 students. This program is the first and only of its kind in Puerto Rico and has a specialization in Cybersecurity that has 40 students:
The Master of Science in Computer Science with an Area of Interest in Cybersecurity with Final Project (39 Credits)
The PoS in Cybersecurity that we are presenting for the redesignation is a non-thesis option that requires a final project and three additional courses in cybersecurity (instead of the Thesis) that map to the KU’s, for a total of 39 credits. All the courses have been taught for more than three years at PUPR. The number of the course, title, and last time it was offered is shown below:
Core Courses: (Required: 15 credits)
CECS 6010 Advanced Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CECS 6030 Computational Theory
CECS 6005 Principles of Information Security
CECS 6230 IT Operations
CECS 7235 Computer Forensics
Specialization: Cybersecurity (Required: 12 credits)
CECS 6605 Advanced Database Systems
CECS 7570 Computer Security
CECS 7230 Network Security
CECS 7237 Advanced Computer Forensics
After completing the required Core and Cybersecurity Specialization courses the student may opt for one of these Emphasis Areas (9 credits).
Database and Secure Operations:
CECS 6015 IT Auditing and Secure Operations
CECS 6035 Contingency Planning
CECS 7240 Database Security
Digital Evidence & Forensics:
CECS 6046 E-Discovery and Digital Evidence
CECS 6015 IT Auditing and Secure Operations
CECS 6045 Law, Investigation, and Ethics
Non-thesis option students are required to complete the Final Project (3 credits) after completing the core, specialization, and emphasis area courses.
Non-Thesis Project Option:
CECS 7950 Project (3 credits)
CECS 7951 Project Extension (0 credits)
PUPR also offers undergraduate courses on security such as: Computer Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Network Security, and Reverse Engineering, among others. We offer more than 17 courses in the area of security at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
We have purchased more than $100,000.00 in equipment for the Computer Forensics Investigation Laboratory (CFIL): Eight Dell Precision T1650 Desktops; Encase Academic V7, Forensic NAS. PUPR is the only university in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean that hosts this equipment.
We continue to attract and retain high-profile researchers in Computer Science and Engineering thus increasing the number and quality of Hispanic student and faculty participation by fostering the integration of research and education in Cybersecurity.
We also continue to strengthen the CAE CD by creating the following two graduate certificates:
In 2009 Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) became the first Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE) in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In 2014 we obtained the redesignation as a CAE/IAE.
PUPR is in a strategic position in the Caribbean where there is no designated institution close by. The Institution also counts with excellent resources to support the initiatives of increasing National Defense, as our highly skilled faculty and students are mostly bilingual American citizens. All this is favorable for PUPR’s 2020 re-designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE CD).
Institutions that are successful at completed the required Knowledge Units, and Criteria are designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
With this redesignation as a CAE CD, PUPR can compete and benefit from proposal calls (RFP) that are specifically for designated CAE institutions. These proposals offer millions of dollars from the DoD, NSF, NSA and DHS, among others, for research and infrastructure. The Institution can obtain scholarships from granting institutions such as the DoD CySP Scholarship Program, the NSF Scholarship for Service (SFS), DoD HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), NRC, and others, that help outstanding students pursue graduate studies in Cybersecurity, also enabling them to work with the Federal Government or other federal institutions and agencies.
While working our way towards the CAE CD designation we have:
We are recognized as the first institution in Puerto Rico to be designated as a CAE IA/CD institution designated by the NSA and the DHS.
“To reduce the vulnerability of our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education in cyber defense (CD) with the development of graduate and undergraduate education programs for professionals in information assurance and cybersecurity.”
The CIARE research center provides a forum that can be used by faculty, students, and cybersecurity professionals from the public and private sectors. This collaboration helps to identify the issues on IA and cyber security that need to be solved. The Center is a vehicle for: training, research, invention, innovation, education, public awareness, entrepreneurship, economic development, and dissemination of best practices.
The CIARE centers its efforts on the following activities:
Student Services Guide
https://mypoly.pupr.edu/ICS/icsfs/Student_Services_Guide.pdf?target=3923e4ad-f4ba-445b-becc-b6c76e2ee811
IT Security – Phishing
Microsoft PowerPoint – phishing.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security – Protect Your Privacy
Microsoft PowerPoint – website_piracy.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security – Spyware
Microsoft PowerPoint – spyware.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security – Security Awareness
Microsoft PowerPoint – security_awareness.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security – Blue Tooth Security Threats
Microsoft PowerPoint – bluetooth.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security – Wi-Fi Security Threats
Microsoft PowerPoint – wi-fi.ppt (pupr.edu)
IT Security Threats – What is a Hacker?
Microsoft PowerPoint – hacker.ppt (pupr.edu)
NIST (2021)
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/upcoming-events
The 10 Best Security Conferences to Attend in 2021
https://www.whitesourcesoftware.com/resources/blog/best-security-conferences-2021/
Cybersecurity conferences 2021: A schedule of virtual, and potentially in-person or ‘hybrid’, events
https://portswigger.net/daily-swig/cybersecurity-conferences-2021-a-schedule-of-virtual-and-potentially-in-person-or-hybrid-events
Las Vegas Security Conference (March 2021)
20th Annual Security Conference » Grand Information Security Challenges (security-conference.org)
National Cyber League Competitions (October 2021)
https://cyberskyline.com/events/ncl
Cybersecurity conferences 2021: A schedule of virtual, and potentially in-person or ‘hybrid’, events
https://portswigger.net/daily-swig/cybersecurity-conferences-2021-a-schedule-of-virtual-and-potentially-in-person-or-hybrid-events
CTF Competitions (December 5, 2020)
Capture the Flag | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
CTF Competitions (October 3, 2020)
https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/campaigns/capture-the-flag.html
Seminar on Cybersecurity Controls given by Professors and Students (September 11, 2020)
Profesor y estudiantes de la Politécnica ofrecen seminario de Controles de Seguridad Cibernética | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
CTF Event (May 2020)
Capture the Flag | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
CTF Event (May 19, 2020)
Capture the Flag | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Python Workshops (April 9, 2020)
Python Workshops | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Coding Workshops (March 26, 2020)
Coding Workshops | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Python and Linux Workshops (March 12, 2020)
Python & Linux Workshop | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Introduction to Cybersecurity (March 5, 2020)
Spring Kickoff Workshop: Introduction to Cybersecurity, CTFS and HTB | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Reverse Engineering Workshop (January 28, 2020)
Assembly & Reverse Engineering | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Game Night Activity (December 13, 2019)
Official Game Night | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
CTF Competitions (December 5, 2019)
Capture the Flag | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Python Crypto Workshop (December 2, 2019)
Python Crypto 101 | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Cybersecurity NSF-SFS students serve as Instructors for CS 4 All activity (November 2019)
CS+Cybersecurity4All Workshop for High School Students | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Fourth Annual Cybersecurity Conference at PUPR (May 2019)
4ta Conferencia en Ciberseguridad de la Universidad Politécnica | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
Workshop Red Ventures (April 2, 2019)
Cyber Castors: Taller Red Ventures /FWD787/ | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (pupr.edu)
NSA
National Security Agency (nsa.gov)
Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity Resources | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
In the Business School a series of courses provide Cybersecurity topics to non-Cybersecurity students from non-technical disciplines:
The MBA provides courses on:
CIS 6715 E-commerce and Web information systems
Enterprises thrive on receiving information. The Internet has emerged as the dominant server for national academic organizations and network host. This course will study the structure, organization, and use of the Internet. Internet technologies ant their potential applications are examined including electronic commerce, database connectivity, and security. An emphasis will be placed on evaluating, organizing, and developing efficient models of electronic transactions
CIS 6605 Database Management Systems
This course presents methodologies and principles of database design. The focus is on database architectures, logical modeling, the relational model, and database design process and techniques. Topics covered include the entity relationship model, the relational model, relational operators, integrity constraints, the SQL language, and data normalization. Also included are topics in distributed databases, objects-oriented databases, and security issues
CIS 6705 Data Communication and Computer Networks
Recent advances and new applications in the expanding field of computer networks and distributed systems are examined. The technical fundamentals, architecture, and design of computer networks and distributed systems are described. Strategies, tools, and techniques for network planning, implementation, management, maintenance, and security are delineated. Topics include ISDN, and ATM, the OSI model, transmission media, network operating systems, topologies, configuration protocols, and performance characteristics. Trends in standardization, internetworking, downsizing, and the development of localnetworks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs), metropolitanarea networks (MANs), and enterprise-wide networks are explored.
Publications
Cruz, Alfredo with Edna Chaar and Zayira Jordan: “Machine Learning and Cybersecurity in X-Ray Software”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Cruz, Alfredo with Kevin Ortiz: “Interactive GUI for Teaching Cryptography”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Cruz, Alfredo with Kevin Ortiz and Jeff Duffany: “Resilient Security Architectures for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Cruz, Alfredo with Roberto Vazquez and Jeff Duffany: “Efficient Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for the Internet of Things (IoT) with Genetic Algorithm (GA)”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Cruz, Alfredo with Samuel Hernandez, Carla Varela and Jeff Duffany: “IoT: Privacy and Security Concerns”. Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Cruz, Alfredo with Samuel Hernandez: “Cybersecurity Tools for Effective Pen-testing and Vulnerability Assessment”. Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021
Cruz, Alfredo with Amaris Velez, Adriana Vazquez, and Luis Pla,: “Program Requirement for Obtaining a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (CAE-IA/CD) Designation”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April, 2019.
Cruz, Alfredo with Amaris Velez “Identifying and Executing Procedures to Evaluate E-Discovery Tools”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April, 2019.
Cruz, Alfredo with Carlos Velez and et al. “Lessons Learned from Premier Capture the Flag Competitions”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April, 2018.
Cruz, Alfredo with Carlos Velez “Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Online Information Security Graduate Laboratory Course”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April, 2017.
Cruz, Alfredo with Jonathan Vargas. “Unified Risk List for eDiscovery of Electronically Stored Information in Cloud Computing Annual Security Conference”. Las Vegas, NV in the Las Vegas Tuscany Hotel, on March 29-31, 2016
Cruz, Alfredo, Celedonio Arroyo and Dr. Jeff Duffany. “Teaching Basic Cryptography Concepts Through the Creation of a Cryptographic Learning Tool”. LACCEI 14th Annual International Conference, Costa Rica. July 20-22, 2016.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Natalia Martinez. “Characterization and Modelling of the Evolving IoT Threatspace. Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Carla A. Varela. “Feature Optimization for Machine Learning”. The 23rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence 2021. Las Vegas, USA.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Natalia Martinez. “Swarm Intelligence and UAV Security”. The 23rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence 2021. Las Vegas, USA.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Kevin Ortiz and Dr. Alfredo Cruz. “Resilient Security Architectures for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Roberto Vazquez and Dr. Alfredo Cruz. “Efficient Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for the Internet of Things (IoT) with Genetic Algorithm (GA)”, Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Duffany, Jeffrey with Samuel Hernandez, Carla Varela and Dr. Alfredo Cruz. “IoT: Privacy and Security Concerns”. Annual Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2021.
Duffany, Jeffrey. “Developing Cybersecurity Skills in Intermediate Programming Courses”, 17th Laccei International Multi-Conference for Engineering and Technology: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities and Communities”, July 24-26, 2019.
Duffany, Jeffrey. “Information Warfare and the 2016 US Presidential Election”, 18th Annual Security Conference & ISOneWorld, April 28-May 1, 2019.
Duffany, Jeffrey, and et. al. “Effectiveness of a Web-Application Based CTF Toolset”, 18th Annual Security Conference & ISOneWorld, April 28-May 1, 2019.
Duffany, Jeffrey. “Cyberwarfare in the 21st Century”. 18th Annual Security Conference & ISOneWorld, April 28-May 1, 2019.
Duffany, Jeffrey. “Improving Motivation of Students in Introductory Programming Classes”, LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology, Lima, Peru July 18-20, 2018
Duffany, Jeffrey. “The Internet of Things: Security and Privacy”, Information Institute Conferences, Las Vegas, NV, March 26-28, 2018.
Duffany, Jeffrey and Carlos Velez. “A Machine-Learning Based Wireless Intrusion Detection System”, paper submitted to FLAIRS 31 Conference, May 20-22, 2018.
Duffany, Jeffrey. “Reinforcing Mathematical Skills in Introductory Programming Courses” 15th LACCEI Conference, Boca Raton, Florida, July, 2017.
Final Graduate Projects
Jiménez, José E.; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2021). Ngram Analysis on Classical Ciphers for Ease of understanding of Cryptography. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Montes, Antulio L.; Dr. Nelliud Torres, (2021). Big Data vs. Business Analytics: Could this work together? MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rodríguez, Arlene; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2021). Considerations on SQL Optimization Tools in MS Azure SQL Server Database using SQL language. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Beltran, Eduardo J.; Dr. Marvi Teixeira (2021). Streak2O: Data Augmentation for Handwritten Text Recognition in Neural Networks. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Meléndez, Ferdinand; Dr. Nelliud Torres (2021). Asegurar sistemas de automatización y control de edificios contra ataques cibernéticos. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Vélez, Héctor; Dr. Nelliud Torres (2021). Implementation of Data Mining Techniques and Machine Learning Model in Manufacturing Process. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Torres, José; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2021). Offensive Security Using Burp Suite. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Cáez, Josué; Dr. Nelliud D. Torres. (2021). ER Fast Check-In. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Hernández, Kevin; Dr. Nelliud Torres (2021). Signadocs: A Better Way to Manage Documents. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Quiñones, Leira C.; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2021). Security at the Expense of Privacy. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Pérez, Omar A.; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2021). Working from Home and Data Protection. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Sierra, Wilfredo; Dr. Nelliud Torres (2021). Comprensión del Lenguaje Natural e Integración de Asistente Virtual para el manejo de cuentas y comercios. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rosario, Yamil; Dr. Nelliud Torres (2021). La Importancia de la Inteligencia Artificial en la Seguridad Cibernética. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Centeno Esteves, Antonio U; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020). Log Analysis in Resource Constrained IoT Environments. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rosado Padilla, Jorge L; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020) On Developing Lab Materials for the Course Advanced Computer Forensics. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Pla LLado, Luis E; Dr. Jeff Dufanny (2020). Characterization and Modeling of the Evolving IoT Threatspace. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Yassin Morales, Yusef M; Dr. Jeff Duffany. (2020). Keystroke Dynamics for Account Breach Prevention. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Atiles Gil de Lamadrid, Ileana M; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020). Meteorite Landing Data Visualization with Python. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Gonzalez Rivera, Ryan; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020). Collaboration P2P Architecture (COPA): a Mixed P2P Architectural Style Using Skype. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
De La Vega Lopez, Jose R; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020). Securing HTTP Communication for Homemade IoT Projects. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Marrero Fernandez, Rafael L; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020. The WiFi Pineapple Nano: A Pen Test Tool for Beginners. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Ortiz Santiago, Jose I; Dr. Jeff Duffany (2020). Survey of Cloud Forensics Techniques for Google Drive, Onedrive and Icloud. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Velez, Amaris; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2020). Developing Interactive Learning Resources for Phyton and Machine Learning. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Garcia, Wilfredo; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2020). Educational Website About Cybersecurity Cyber Guide Helper. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Sanchez, Luis; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2020. Web Attack Analytic. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rivera, Ramon; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2020). DocDigitize: Automatic Document Digitalization. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Roy A. Sepúlveda Rodríguez; Dr. Nelliud Torres Batista (2019). Analysis of Alternatives for a Security Information and Event Management Tool in a Virtualized Environment. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto.
Reginald Ledain Gentillon; Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2019). At-Risk Students Prediction Using Machine Learning. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto.
Reinaldo E. Santiago Lozada; Advisor: Jeff Duffany, Ph.D. (2019). Capture the Flag (CTF):Website Tutorial to Boost Cybersecurity Training. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
José Gil Santaella Colón; Advisor: Dr. Nelliud Torres Batista (2019). Data Mining Techniques and Machine Learning Model for Walmart Weekly Sales Forecast. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Wilfredo Jiménez Vargas; Advisor Jeffrey Duffany, Ph.D. (2019). Data Mining Techniques for the Integrated Postsecondary Data System. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Vázquez Ruiz; Advisor: Jeff Duffany, Ph.D. (2019). Design of a Framework for the Best Practices in Computer Forensics within the Cybersecurity Infrastructure in the Regulated Industry. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School, Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Alexis O. Rosario Cruz; Advisor: Nelliud D. Torres Batista, DBA (2019). Driver Profile and Smart Cars, A Step Ahead in Vehicle Registration and Security. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
José Gil Santaella Colón; Advisor: Dr. Nelliud Torres Batista (2019). Data Mining Techniques and Machine Learning Model for Walmart Weekly Sales Forecast. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Alexis Mojica Serrano; Advisor: Jeff Duffany, Ph.D. (2019). Hacking Mobile Devices Using WiFi Pineapple Nano. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School, Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
CarlosY. Velez Rodríguez; Advisor: Alfredo Cruz, PhD (2019). Implementation of Real-Time Cybersecurity Training through the Integration of a Hypervisor and an Online CTF Engine. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Alejandro Rodríguez Ocasio; Advisor: Jeff Duffany, PhD (2019). Implementing USB Attacks with Microcontrollers. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School, Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Naileen Berríos; Advisor: Alfredo Cruz, PhD (2019). Increasing the Participation of Young Women in Cybersecurity. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Alfredo Alexander Cruz; Advisor: Alfredo Cruz, PhD (2019). Introduction into Cybersecurity through Cryptographic Algorithms. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Yoshuam A. Alicea Casillas; Advisor: Dr. Jeff Duffany (2019). Journey to Becoming a Hacker: From Zero to Cybersecurity Ninja. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rubén A. Vázquez Rodríguez; Advisor: Dr. Othoniel Rodriguez (2019). Predicting the Downfall of Non-Profit Organizations Using Machine Learning. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Edshel Torres Rosa; Professor: Nelliud Torres, DBA (2019). Privacy in the Cyber Universe. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School, Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Azeem J. Rios Soto; Advisor: Jeffrey Duffany, Ph.D. (2019). Reputation Scanner. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Agosto, A. (May, 2018). “National Cyber League Challenges as a Way to Teach Cybersecurity”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Candelario, N. (May, 2018). “Deployment of Emergency Response Networks, a Web Application for Management”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Christenson, J. (February, 2018). “Unified Threat Management”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Colon, J. (May, 2018). “Capture-the-Flag Framework and Virtual Environment for Cybersecurity Education”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Colon, J., Berrios, N., Cruz, A. (March, 2018). “CTF Framework and Virtual Environment for Cybersecurity Education”. Las Vegas Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
De la Cruz, I. (May, 2018). “Prescription Timeliness Prediction Using Machine Learning”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Fernandez, R., Perez, E. (March, 2018). “Know Before You Click: A Study in Social Engineering” Las Vegas Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Extended Abstract.
Maldonado, Z. (February, 2018). “Jailbreak Vulnerability & Mobile Security Updates”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Medina, K., Gates, L., Caldwell, J. (2018). “An Electronic Digital Forensics Guide”. HENAAC Conference, Pasadena, CA, Poster.
Medina, K., Gates, L., Caldwell, J. (July, 2018). “An Electronic Digital Forensics Guide”. Presented at Norfolk State University, Final Project Paper for Summer Internship.
Morales, J. (May, 2018). “Blockchain for Nuclear Facilities”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Morales, J., Duffany, J., Mascareñas, D.L. (March, 2018). “Blockchain for Nuclear Facilities”. Presented at Las Vegas Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Extended Abstract.
Rodriguez, C. (May, 2018). “Security Network Lab (MITM & Honeypot)”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez, D. (February, 2018). “Study on Blockchain Technology for Modern Enterprise Applications”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rushdi, N., (May, 2018). “Real Time Face Detection System”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Serrano, L. (February, 2018). “Empowering the Weakest Link in Today’s Technology With: Cyber-Security Protection by Means of Password Security”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Velez, A, Cruz, A. (March, 2018). “Obtaining the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Designation: A Review on Program Requirements and Mapping Procedure”. Las Vegas Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Extended Abstract.
Velez, C. (October, 2018). “Implementation of Real-Time Cybersecurity Training Through the Integration of a Hypervisor and Online CTF Engine”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Velez, C., Cruz, A., Duffany, J., Alicea, J., Bennett, S. (March, 2018) “Lessons Learned from Premier Capture the Flag Competitions”. Las Vegas Security Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Vera, W. (May, 2018) “Risk Assessment Practices”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Villanueva, M. (February, 2018). “Breaking e-Discovery Barriers in Puerto Rico”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Carlos Velez and Alfredo Cruz, “Implementation of Active Learning Techniques in an Online Information Security Graduate Laboratory Course”, Security Conference Las Vegas, April 2017.
Yoshuam Alicea, “Cybersecurity Competitions as Effective Cybersecurity Teaching Tools” Security Conference, Las Vegas. April 2017.
John Morales, “Augmented Reality for Smart Infrastructure Inspection”. Los Alamos National Laboratories. August 9, 2017.
Steven Bennett, “National Cyber League’s 2017 Spring Season Report”. Internal report for the ECECS Department. May, 2017.
Carlos Velez and Dr. Jeff Duffany, “SDR Radio Signals Machine Learning Prediction”. Internal report for the ECECS Department, August, 2017.
Carlos Velez. “CRYPTO 2017 Report”. Internal report for the ECECS Department, September 2017.
Claudio, Emmanuel; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2017). “Black Box Testing – Puerto Rico Tax Form 482 using “Planilla Plus+” Software”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Romano, Hermes O.; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2017). “Using X Server Monitoring Service as Part of a Real-Time Server Monitoring Module”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Hernández, Jorge; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2017). “Algorithm for User-friendly Password Policy”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Guzmán, Nataniel; Dr. Alfredo Cruz (2017). “The Extensible Provisioning Protocol: an API integration under the PR TLD”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Cruz, Daniel; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “Validation of NMAP’s Network Behavior using Wireshark”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Maisonet, Héctor; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “K4 Analyst and Decipherer”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Rivera, Jose; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). IoT Vulnerabilities in SCADA Systems. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Martínez, Luis M.; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “Disk File Systems FAT 16/32 and NTFS”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Bennett, Steven D.; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “Preparation and Delivery of Material for Special Topics in Information Assurance Courses at an Undergraduate and Graduate level”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Miranda, Emmanuel; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “Development of a Business Intelligence Software for Monitoring Healthcare Key Process Indicators”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Soler, Xavier; Dr. Jeffrey Duffany (2017). “Understanding Smartphone Authentication: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study About User Perception of Security and Authentication on Smartphones”. MS CS Final Project. EXPO Graduate School. Graduate School Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Students from the NSF-SFS scholarships are assigned equipment such as a PC, printer, and study space of their own. PUPR has available space in their laboratory facilities. The Institution will provide the infrastructure to ensure retention of scholarship recipients until completion of their degree. The Program’s goal is that every scholar successfully finishes their studies to reach 100% retention and placement in Civil Service jobs.
PUPR has modern equipment for research and education in Cybersecurity. Facilities currently available to Cybersecurity students at the ECECS Department include four laboratories. These laboratories have been established in the last six years with grants from the DoD, NSF, DoE, NSA, among others. Some are used for classroom activities and others for graduate research and studying. The basic goal of these laboratories is to support cybersecurity research and education in computer science and engineering. These laboratories also support research in other basic sciences requiring sophisticated computing facilities as part of PUPR’s goal to provide cybersecurity students and faculty with state-of-the-art infrastructure for their academic endeavors in research and education. All of these resources are key components for students in the realization of their academic activities. They will also provide participating faculty and students with the necessary infrastructure to successfully complete the proposed research projects.
Information Security and technical support of the laboratories is managed mainly by the IT staff. Tasks are shared among the CIO, Mr. Pedro J. Perez-Dorta, the Associate Director of IT, Mr. Eryd Aquino, the System Administrator, Mr. Eduardo Ramos, and the Jr. System Administrator, Victor Robles, in a combined effort to generally enforce information security and the efficiency of the laboratories and systems throughout the University. Also, the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science (ECECS) Department gives us a technical support of the labs through Professor Rodrigo Martinez (IT Support Supervision) and Mr. Orlando Maysonave (Technical Support).
The established laboratories are:
The basic goal of these laboratories is to support research and education in computer science and engineering. These laboratories also support research in other basic sciences requiring sophisticated computing facilities. PUPR owns valuable High-Performance Computing (HPC) equipment such as the 2 Beowulf Clusters of 64 processors each. A third PC Cluster with 256 processors sponsored by a grant from the NSF was installed in the HPC Laboratory.
Our computer laboratories are described below:
1. Data Communications and Advanced Network Laboratories: NSF funding has been previously provided to establish a network laboratory consisting of 20 PC’s and two servers, Additionally, various equipment for networking such as firewalls and wireless communication have also been installed. This lab connects with the wireless IA network to support research projects and education in security issues such as: steganography, watermark, firewalls, intrusion detection, cryptography, and VPN technologies, among others.
2. The High Performance Computing Laboratory (HPC) is mainly sponsored with a grant obtained from a proposal awarded by the DoD. Under this grant a PC Cluster of 32 node dual processors to support scientific and engineering research at graduate and undergraduate levels was acquired. A state-of-the-art PC Cluster with 256 processors sponsored by a grant from the NSF was installed in the HPC Laboratory.
3. The Turing Laboratory for Graduate Studies has been mainly sponsored with funds obtained through a proposal submitted to PRIDCO (a local government agency). This lab is used to support research at the graduate level and to obtain incentives to attract and retain PhD faculty in the Computer Science and Engineering areas. The facilities are used for education and research.
4. The Cyber Digital Forensics Investigation Laboratory (CDFIL) is used for analyzing financial frauds, telecommunication frauds, cyber crime, and terrorism investigation, among other activities. Success of this laboratory will encourage other institutions to adopt similar models that provide high quality training and further increase the available supply of practitioners prepared in this critical discipline. The laboratory provides real and simulated analysis by gathering digital evidence from dead computer systems using legally established procedures of computer forensic science. The activities done include: ensuring evidence is not altered, impacting learning of how investigations in forensically sterile environments can be conducted, documenting chains of custody, and logging investigative actions. In addition, this equipment stimulates students to develop new research in computer forensic science.
PUPR was awarded a research grant in the area of Artificial Intelligence. Three faculty and eight students are doing research in this area, under this grant.
This is a sub-award granted to PUPR in a collaboration with 10 more universities. We are preparing faculty, students, teachers, first-responders, veterans, with graduate certificates in either Digital Evidence and Auditing or Database Security and Secure Operations.
PUPR was awarded a grant to support 5 students: 2 undergraduate, 2 graduate and 1 doctoral student; in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a Specialization in Cybersecurity.
PUPR was awarded a grant to educate 30 young female students on cybersecurity awareness and to provide them with hands-on projects in cybersecurity.
PUPR was awarded a grant to educate 30 young female students on cybersecurity awareness and to provide them with hands-on projects in cybersecurity.
PUPR received a grant to support three doctoral students in a PhD Program in Applied Science and Engineering with a track in cybersecurity.
This award provided support to educate 12 professors from Community Colleges and Universities in Puerto Rico with training in cybersecurity. They were provided support to study either a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics (GCDF) or a Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance and Security (GCIAS).
This award supports one graduate student in the Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Cybersecurity.
Additional supplemental awarded by the NSF-SFS.
Cybercorps NSF-Scholarship for Service awarded to support 20 students during the five year period to support studies in cybersecurity.
Scholarships and Fellowships to support 12 students in Computer Engineering and Computer Science with a Specialization in Cybersecurity.
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) has very competent faculty teaching courses in the Cybersecurity Program at PUPR. PUPR counts with faculty with many years of experience that offer courses that are highly significant to the cybersecurity program and provide insight to the student’s learning experience.
Cruz, Alfredo, PhD
Contact: alcruz@pupr.edu
Education: PhD in Computer Engineering 1992, University of Cincinnati; PhD in Computer Information Systems (CIS) 2002, Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Alfredo Cruz is the POC for the CAE Designation. He is Director of the MS CS, MS CpE, and Electrical Engineering Graduate Programs. He is also the Director of the Center (CIARE) and Head of the Cybersecurity Program. As Head, he has overall responsibility for the CD curriculum path, and is in charge of all the CAE Designation efforts at PUPR. Dr. Cruz recruits the faculty responsible for the overall CD program of study and sufficient faculty members (full or part-time) to ensure continuity of the program, as required by the NCAE. He also teaches key courses in the Cybersecurity Program such as: Principles of Information Security, IT Operations, Computer Security, E-Discovery, Advanced Database Systems, among others.
Dr. Cruz is member of the ACM. He is an active researcher and uses the ACM and other digital libraries including the PUPR library resources that has several subscriptions to top digital libraries such as: Access Engineering Library-McGraw-Hill, EBSCO HOST Research Databases, O’REILLY Safari, ASME Digital Collection, among others. The use of these libraries is done frequently for reference. He also makes good use of his participation in other professional society resources such as: Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions and Puerto Rico Cybersecurity User Group (PRCSUG). Faculty and students from the cybersecurity program attend and participate in the activities and workshops held by these societies in coordination with Dr. Cruz. Dr. Cruz also advises students in the Doctoral Program in Applied Engineering and Science, the Master of Science in Computer Science, and the Master of Science in Computer Engineering.
Prof. De la Cruz, Jose Ramon
Contact: jdelacruz@pupr.edu
Education: Master’s in Computer Engineering, 2013, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Prof. Jose de la Cruz is the Alternate Point of Contact (APOC) for the CAE Designation. He is a full-time professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science (ECECS) Department. He teaches the graduate course of Database Security. He is very proficient in the area of cybersecurity. He teaches undergraduate courses such as Reverse Engineering and Software Protection, and Network Security, among others. He is very proficient in cybersecurity. He can also teach Computer Forensics, Advanced Computer Forensics, Network Security, Principles of Information Security, among others.
Duffany, Jeff, PhD
Contact: jeffduffany@gmail.com
Education: PhD in Computer and Information Engineering, 1997, Stephens Institute
Dr. Jeff Duffany is Professor at the Graduate School. He has been a key resource in the creation of the cybersecurity program since its beginnings. He is currently teaching key cybersecurity courses at the graduate level in the path of study, such as: Network Security, Computer Forensics, Advanced Computer Forensics, Artificial Intelligence, Design and Analysis of Algorithms; Computational Theory, among others.
Jordan, Zayira, PhD
Contact: zjordan@pupr.edu
Education: PhD, Human Computer Interaction, 2010, Iowa State University
Dr. Zayira Jordan is a full-time professor at the ECECS Department. She has taught courses such as Law, Investigation, and Ethics, and Principles of Information Security, among others. She is very proficient in the area of cybersecurity and also teaches at the undergraduate level cybersecurity courses such as: Computer Forensics, Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Reverse Engineering & Software Protection.
Prof. Robles, John
Contact: jrobles@pupr.edu
Education: He holds a BSEE and MSEE from New York University.
Prof. John Robles is an Adjunct professor at the Graduate School. He teaches very important courses in the cybersecurity program such as: IT Auditing and Secure Operations, Contingency Planning, and Principles of Information Security. He has over 45 years of experience in the field of IT Auditing as a consultant and CEO of his own company. He has CISA, CISM, and CRISC certifications. He teaches technical as well as managerial aspects of cybersecurity in these courses
Prof. Rodriguez, Lisa, Esq.
Contact: lrodriguez@pupr.edu
Education: Juris Doctor, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, 2001; Master of Science in Computer Science, 2016, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Prof. Lisa Rodriguez is a part-time professor at the Graduate School. She teaches the course Law, Investigation, and Ethics. She is proficient in cybersecurity and is very well prepared to teach the courses: E-discovery and Digital Evidence, Computer Forensics, and Advanced Computer Forensics. She is in the law practice in the area of e-Discovery and digital evidence.
Torres, Nelliud, DBA
Contact: ntorres@pupr.edu
Education: DBA in Information Systems, 2011, Universidad del Turabo; MS Information Systems, 1995, EDP University.
Dr. Nelliud Torres is a part-time professor at the Graduate School. He teaches graduate courses such as: Advanced Database Systems, Contingency Planning, and Database Security. He is well prepared to teach other cybersecurity courses from the path of study, such as Principles of Information Security, IT Operations, among others.
The following persons are members of the PUPR CAE-CDE Board of Advisors (BOA) of Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. We have distinguished security professionals from industry, government, and academia. We have a pioneer in CTF competitions in the BOA, Dr. Daniel Manson. Also, we have a cybersecurity consultant and CEO of his own company that serves the banking, government, and the industry, with more than 40 years of experience, Mr. John Robles. We also have two persons from LLNL that work directly in the area of cybersecurity, among others:
Dr. Alfredo Cruz
Graduate Program Director, PUPR
Office: L-309
Email: alcruz@pupr.edu
Phone number: (787) 622-8000 ext. 316
Cellular phone: (787) 717-3473
