Professor Investigates Cloud Computing Security
Jordan Shropshire, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Information Technology has been awarded a multi-year grant of $108,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve the security of cloud computing systems. Shropshire said just as ordinary computers are susceptible to viruses and malware, clouds can also be infected, which is a serious threat, given the increased reliance on clouds. His research will develop and test security tools to address these threats and reduce security risks.
Shropshire’s project will provide an opportunity for two undergraduates, at least five graduate students and several high school students in south Georgia to work with cutting-edge information technologies. The professor said Georgia Southern IT students excel at technical problem solving in unstructured environments. “Despite their youth, they can be counted on to tackle complex problems with minimal supervision. Without them, this project wouldn’t happen,” Shropshire explained.
The graduate students will conduct original research and develop cutting-edge security solutions. Undergraduates will assist in the construction and administration of a cloud environment and students at participating high schools will perform remote testing and evaluation. Shropshire said everyone will build skills that will help them in the next phase of their IT careers.
This was the first time Shropshire had ever applied for a NSF grant.
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