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| 04-20-2004 | Previous edition: 04-19-2004 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Expert professor adds prestige to University
Assistant Campus Editor A faculty member’s interest started when he took a computer class and now he advises the President of the United States and Congress on cyber safety. Gene Spafford, executive director for the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurace and Security, became interested in computer science before it was a subject. "What intrigued me the most was that most people thought the computer was magical and that it was always right when it is only right when you put the right information into it," said Spafford. Because it bothered him so much, he got his Ph.D. in this subject. He is now a world-renowned security expert who is quoted in academic journals, congressional reports and major newspapers. Joe Bennett, vice president for University relations, said Spafford gives Purdue recognition. "It can be argued that Gene is the most respected computer safety expert in the nation," said Bennett. "That gives Purdue national recognition and prestige." He is one of 25 presidential appointees to the President’s Information Technology Advisory committee. The committee serves as a board of advisers to the president. Spafford, professor of computer science and philosophy, is examining issues of cyber security. He and other appointees, from all over the country in industry and academia, are investigating if the government is spending money in the right areas and then determining whether the research that is being done is correct. He said they are looking into what kinds of things might be done overall to improve cyber security. "We are, in fact, finding mode right now, we will make our recommendations at the end of the year," said Spafford. Spafford does not only spend his time advising the president, but he also conducts research on cyber forensics and teaches when he is at Purdue. "Cyber forensics is when people use a computer system or mis-use them to break the law," said Spafford. "This includes identity theft or writing malicious software or the piracy of people’s property and spam E-mails." Spafford’s main focus of his research is in determining the identity of who committed the crime and convincing the jury to convict the guilty and to exonerate the innocent. In 1988, the first Internet worm was discovered and Spafford led the team that analyzed and stopped the worm. He said he also has a light-hearted side. Spafford has miniature toy dinosaurs and other toys around his office, and he also enjoys spending time with his daughter. Spafford thinks of his daughter as one of his two biggest accomplishments in his life. He said she is a work in progress. Printer-friendly version |
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