University of Connecticut and Comcast Launch Center of Excellence for Security Innovation

STORRS, Conn., April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Connecticut, home to the nation's foremost center on hardware security, and Comcast today announced the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Security Innovation (CSI) at UConn.

The center unites the expertise of researchers within UConn's existing Center for Hardware Assurance, Security and Engineering (CHASE) and Comcast's leadership in Internet systems security to develop robust detection systems and analytical tools to ensure that the computer chips and other hardware components vital to Internet broadband systems are shielded from malicious attacks, unauthorized access, and faulty or counterfeit products.

"This new Center of Excellence for Security Innovation further establishes UConn as a national leader in hardware security analysis and technology," says Kazem Kazerounian, Dean of UConn's School of Engineering. "It is yet another example of how academic-industry partnerships can advance science, improve people's lives, and create a new generation of highly-skilled workers prepared to resolve the technological challenges facing our nation and world today."

"UConn's leadership in hardware assurance research is well established and we envision the Center of Excellence will be supported by significant, multi-year funding for research initiatives, joint innovation, and the development of the next generation of technologists," says John Schanz, Executive Vice President and Chief Network Officer of Comcast. "While many of those research projects will be sponsored by Comcast, we also anticipate research funding and support from the federal government and other industry partners."

Officials announced the new Center of Excellence in Security Innovation, to be located in UConn's Information Technologies Engineering building in Storrs, during a break in a two-day national conference at UConn on secure/trustworthy systems and supply chain assurance sponsored by CHASE.

"UConn's CHASE faculty is eager to work with Comcast and other industry leaders in developing robust, secure and trustworthy hardware technologies and detection techniques that provide unprecedented assurance in today's rapidly evolving hardware environment," said Mark Tehranipoor, the director of CHASE, who will also be serving as director of the CSI.

The Center of Excellence expands the longstanding relationship between Comcast and UConn's School of Engineering. Comcast is one of the founding members of CHASE, which also lists the U.S. Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and industry leaders such as Honeywell, Samsung, and CISCO as sponsors.

About UConn
The University of Connecticut is one of the nation's leading public research universities. As the state's flagship university, UConn is a leader in Connecticut workforce development, preparing its students with the latest knowledge, skills, technologies and industry standards to allow them to succeed in today's highly competitive global marketplace.

About Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company.  

SOURCE Comcast Cable