Future business leaders will learn how to protect computer networks and other information systems from cyber-attacks by working in the new Networking and Security Lab at Ball State University.

Set to open this fall in Whitinger Business Building, room 203, the Networking and Security Lab is a major step in educating business students about the serious nature of hacking and other security issues, said Thomas Harris, chair of the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM).

"We live in an age when computer security is a major issue for businesses," Harris said. "We developed the lab to address a growing need for the business community. In fact, it may be one of the biggest issues facing businesses today because a cyber-attack could critically damage any company of any size."

The lab was established over the summer with the assistance of personnel from University Computing Services.

Ball State's approach in building the lab was taken from a business perspective instead of a similar campus facility run by a computer science department, Harris said.

"Computer science deals with building firewalls and developing systems protection software but doesn't address all the problems faced by the business," he said. "We want to address how to protect a business, not just its computer network, and how to help the firm recover after it has suffered an attack."

The lab features the latest equipment provided through a grant from Ball State's Technology Office and features an enclosed network that simulates the Internet environment with "virtual" ISPs and "virtual" organizations. 

Harris said it is critical to provide a technologically advanced setting, allowing students to learn and manage all types of networks as well as study how to provide a secured environment. 

The lab will enable students to learn to hack into existing networks and in the process learn where security leaks may exist, gaining knowledge on how to prevent attacks through hands-on experiences. 

The new lab will also be connected to the Cluster Computing Research Lab, enabling students and faculty to extend their research into the security of widespread distributed systems. 

The Cluster Computing Research Lab features a computer cluster built from discarded personal computers by Ball State students. The independent system performs at a level of traditional supercomputers. The benefits are faster processing speed and superior database capabilities, at a fraction of the cost associated with a traditional supercomputer.

"By working with the cluster computer system, we can analyze much of the work done by students in the new lab," Harris said. "It will be another way for our students to attack a computer system and to learn how to protect the system."

The new lab is another effort by the ISOM department and the Miller College of Business to provide students the opportunity to study and work in the most advanced information systems environment possible, Harris said.

"Eventually, I see us partnering with the private sector for research and development projects," he said. "We've already had a great deal of interest from area companies about testing and improving their computer security systems."

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Harris at tharris@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5322.)