SCC Cyber Crime Program expanding: Funding approved

SYLVA - Ten years ago, a computer was regarded as an instrument to allow for efficient data entry and retrieval. But in the age of the Internet, computers are increasingly acting as a technology playground for criminal and terrorist activity.

At last Monday's (Oct. 29) Board meeting, the Southwestern Community College Foundation approved $7,500 to help combat on-line crime and terrorism through SCC's Cyber Crime program, which is the first of its kind in the nation.

"In light of the events of September 11, America has seen the creation of a new Cabinet Post, Head of Homeland Security," said Mike Burnette, SCC's Cyber Crime Technology Program Coordinator. "That office is divided into two subcomponents-domestic terrorism and cyber crime.

"Many of the things that are occurring in domestic terrorism are perpetuating by means of the computer-cyber terrorism. We need folks who are knowledgeable and who are able to crack these operations and be able to pull out evidence to convict these people of terrorism. That's what we're training our students to do."

The funds will be used collectively with start-up monies from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to fund a second full-time position for remainder of the fiscal year.

The program, which trains students to investigate, seize and secure evidence from computers to aid in the prosecution of cyber criminals, has more than doubled the typical enrollment for a new program.

With the addition of a new faculty member, the program plans to expand its offerings to an on-line version of the Associate's of Science in Cyber Crime Technology beginning in the fall of 2002.

Already the program has captured the attention of numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the State, including the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). And for his outstanding efforts with the Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice programs at Southwestern, Burnette was recently appointed to the North Carolina Attorney General's Partnership for Law Enforcement and Technology.

In addition to the curriculum offerings, the College will also be offering a seminar through its Continuing Education Division beginning in January, entitled "Cyber Crime - First Responder." This seminar will instruct law enforcement officials on how to respond to potential computer crime incidents.