CybersecurityL-3, Virginia Tech in cybersecurity partnership

L-3 Communications announced  yesterday that it has formed a cooperative partnership in cybersecurity research and development with Virginia Tech’s Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology (Hume Center).

A key element of this relationship will be the establishment of L-3’s Cybersecurity Solutions Center, which will be co-located with Virginia Tech’s Cybersecurity Innovations Lab in Northern Virginia. L-3’s STRATIS division, an important industry player in cyber, intelligence, and IT solutions, will lead this effort.

The company says that this new partnership will enhance L-3’s ability to deliver innovative national security solutions. L-3 will offer, in collaboration with Virginia Tech and additional emerging technology and government partners, customized cyber solutions that help customers secure critical networks against exploitation and attack. L-3 says it is focusing its efforts on the most pressing cybersecurity disciplines, including advanced analytics; cloud, virtualization, communications and mobile security; and cybersecurity training and education.

“This new relationship with Virginia Tech is an important centerpiece in our ongoing cybersecurity solutions development, as it provides us with access to proprietary academic and scientific research and development,” said Les Rose, president of L-3 STRATIS. “We firmly believe that combining Virginia Tech’s and L-3’s expertise in cybersecurity research and development, technology and services will lead to the development of advanced solutions that enhance security for our nation’s cyber capabilities across the federal government, defense, intelligence and critical infrastructure communities. Our goal is to not only develop advanced cyber solutions, but also speed the transfer of these solutions to our customers.”

“We are very pleased and excited to have L-3 Communications as a partner in the important fields of cyber and national security, and especially to have them decide to locate in the new Virginia Tech Research Center - Arlington,” said Virginia Tech president Charles W. Steger.

“L-3 is a recognized leader in developing information security products for our nation’s security. Virginia Tech offers multidisciplinary opportunities in cybersecurity research and education. This co-location of L-3 Communications with our Hume Center represents a truly comprehensive industry partnership that builds bridges from research to solutions addressing our vital interests,” Steger added. “We very much look forward to this public-private partnership.”