Syracuse Sun

Kevin Du, a professor in electrical engineering and computer science, has made significant contributions to cybersecurity education. His SEED open-source project, launched with $1.3 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to equip students with practical skills for tackling cybersecurity issues. The initiative has grown to be utilized by over 1,100 institutions worldwide.

Du's approach addresses a gap in traditional cybersecurity education, which often focused on theoretical knowledge without practical application. "I designed the SEED project so students can actually walk through those attacks by themselves on their computer," Du explains. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding how to counter cyberattacks effectively.

The SEED labs cover various topics such as software security and network security. They also introduce students to internet-related research activities through an emulator that replicates the internet on a single computer. Du emphasizes the importance of understanding attacks: “We are not teaching students to carry out these attacks, but if you don’t know what’s happening behind the attack, you won’t know what to do when you encounter an attack.”

Du's work extends beyond his university; he conducts training workshops funded by a $1 million NSF grant for educators nationwide. These workshops have trained over 400 college professors in using his open-source software. "I've found that many instructors share my teaching philosophy that they want to have hands-on practice with their classes," says Du.

He has also authored a textbook titled “Computer and Internet Security: A Hands-on Approach,” used by nearly 300 universities. To complement this material, Du produces video lessons demonstrating the concepts taught in his labs.

Looking ahead, Du hopes to integrate artificial intelligence topics into his educational offerings, continuing his commitment to advancing cybersecurity education.