Virginia University of Science & Technology

04/16/2026

Virginia University of Science & Technology Proudly Celebrates Director Derek A. Smith’s Acceptance into DAV Patriot Boot Camp

Virginia University of Science & Technology (VUST) is proud to recognize Dr. Derek A. Smith, Director of Cybersecurity Programs, on his conditional acceptance into the highly competitive DAV Patriot Boot Camp.

Selected from a nationwide pool of veteran and military-affiliated entrepreneurs, Dr. Smith’s acceptance reflects both his distinguished service background and his continued commitment to innovation, leadership, and workforce development. The DAV Patriot Boot Camp is a nationally recognized program designed to empower veteran entrepreneurs through intensive training, mentorship, and access to critical business resources.

As Director of Cybersecurity Programs at VUST, Dr. Smith has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. His leadership has helped bridge the gap between academic instruction and real-world application—preparing students to meet today’s evolving cyber threats with confidence and competence.

This opportunity will further enhance Dr. Smith’s ability to integrate entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and practical cybersecurity strategies into VUST’s programs, strengthening the university’s mission to deliver career-focused, industry-aligned education.

“Programs like DAV Patriot Boot Camp represent the next phase of leadership—where experience, discipline, and innovation come together to build something impactful,” said Dr. Smith. “I look forward to bringing these insights back to our students and community.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Smith on this outstanding achievement.

04/01/2026

Cybersense: The Leader's Guide to Protecting Critical Information has been ranked #32 on BookAuthority's 100 Best Cybersecurity Books of All Time — as featured on CNN, Forbes, and Inc.
https://cybersecurityventures.com/100-best-cyber-security-books-of-all-time/

02/24/2026

AI-Powered Cybercrime: A Defining Challenge of the Digital Era

Artificial Intelligence is accelerating innovation across industries. But it is also reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in ways organizations must take seriously.

Cybercriminals are now leveraging AI to automate phishing campaigns, generate convincing deepfakes, identify system vulnerabilities, and scale social engineering attacks with unprecedented speed and precision.

This shift signals a new era in cybersecurity — one where traditional defenses alone are no longer sufficient.

Modern cyber defense requires:

Advanced behavioral analytics

AI-driven threat detection

Strong identity governance

Continuous monitoring and response

Leaders who understand emerging technologies and risk strategy

As digital transformation expands, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT function — it is a strategic imperative.

Institutions of higher education play a critical role in preparing professionals to meet this evolving threat environment. Developing analytical thinkers, ethical technologists, and strategic leaders is essential to protecting innovation and strengthening national resilience.

The future of cybersecurity will belong to those who understand both the power and the risks of artificial intelligence.

02/23/2026

VUST: Forging the Next Generation of AI Security Leaders
In an era defined by rapid technological change and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the demand for professionals who can secure and defend AI-enabled systems has never been greater. At Virginia University of Science and Technology (VUST), we’re not just keeping pace — we’re leading the way.
Our graduate-level course, CSIS 658 Principles of Artificial Intelligence and Security, equips students with the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and strategic mindset required to confront the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. This course blends the foundational principles of computing and network defense with emerging realities in AI security, preparing graduates to serve as trusted leaders in government, industry, and national security.
Students in CSIS 658 learn how to:
Analyze the unique threat landscape posed by AI-enabled systems, including adversarial attacks, data manipulation, and emerging exploitation techniques.
Apply rigorous security principles to the design, deployment, and governance of AI technologies.
Develop strategic defenses that protect organizations, critical infrastructure, and citizens from cyber risk.
By integrating real-world scenarios, hands-on labs, and expert instruction, VUST ensures our graduates are not just technically proficient — they understand how to think like defenders and act like leaders.

In today’s connected world, cybersecurity is national security. The future belongs to those who can both innovate with artificial intelligence and protect against its misuse. At VUST, we’re committed to developing that future — one student at a time.

📌 Join us as we build resilient cyber professionals ready to defend digital frontiers.

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

Christmas Party At VUST

11/06/2025

The Truth About Security Metrics Revealed!
🎥 Cybersecurity Metrics That Actually Matter: Moving Beyond “Check-the-Box” KPIs

Most organizations are tracking the wrong cybersecurity metrics.
They proudly measure training attendance, patch counts, and compliance scores — but those numbers don’t prove you’re secure. They just prove you’re busy.

In this video, Dr. Derek A. Smith, Cybersecurity Program Director at Virginia University of Science & Technology (VUST) and retired Deputy Director in the DHS Cybersecurity Service, explains why leaders must shift from vanity metrics to outcome-driven measurement.

Learn how to measure what truly matters — risk reduction, resilience, and readiness — and discover how to connect technical data to business outcomes that executives and boards actually care about.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

Why “check-the-box” KPIs don’t reflect true security maturity

How to turn metrics into meaningful management tools

The difference between activity metrics and outcome metrics

How DHS and IRS linked cybersecurity metrics to mission success

How CISOs can communicate measurable risk reduction to the board

11/04/2025

How to Break Into the AI + Cybersecurity Field
The future of tech belongs to those who can connect AI and Cybersecurity.
In this video, Dr. Derek A. Smith — cybersecurity professor and former federal cyber leader — reveals how to break into the new AI-Cyber frontier, where machine intelligence meets digital defense.

You’ll learn:
🔹 Why AI is creating a massive wave of new cybersecurity careers
🔹 The exact skill stack to master (AI + Cyber + Cloud)
🔹 How to build a job-ready portfolio that gets recruiters’ attention
🔹 Real career paths like AI-Cyber Analyst, AI Security Architect, and AI Governance Officer
🔹 How to future-proof your career and stand out in the AI era

This isn’t theory — it’s the roadmap to six-figure cybersecurity success in a world driven by automation, machine learning, and data protection.

If you’re ready to build your AI-powered cybersecurity career, this is where it starts.