07 Sept. 7, 2011. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a leading provider of cyber security solutions to the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Defense, has joined with Virginia Tech as an affiliate of the newest Security and Software Engineering Research Center (S2ERC), founded with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF established the S2ERC program 25 years ago as the Industry & University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program dedicated to software engineering and recently re-chartered the center with an added focus on security. The National Science Foundation awarded Virginia Tech a 5-year grant to support the center, which includes the participation of industry and academia. The new cyber security site becomes the third primary S2ERC location in the country. The two other primary site locations are Ball State University and Iowa State University Tech.

19 Sep 11. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan’s biggest defense contractor, has revealed that it suffered a hacker attack in August that caused some of its networks to be infected by malware. The firm – which is involved in a wide range of activities including space rockets, the production of jet fighters, shipbuilding, and running nuclear power plants – said that 45 network servers and 38 PCs became infected with malware at ten facilities across Japan. The infected sites included its submarine manufacturing plant in Kobe and the Nagoya Guidance & Propulsion System Works, which makes engine parts for missiles. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri claimed that at least eight different pieces of malware, including some which stole data, were discovered at Mitsubishi sites.

08 Sep 11. Cyber security to be taught to all Annapolis midshipmen. Cyber security will be on the curriculum for all midshipmen starting the new academic year at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the college announced on 6 September. A mandatory study area for all aspiring US Navy (USN) officers, it is intended to provide future graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate effectively in a high-threat cyber environment. (Source: Jane’s Navy International)