Established in 1996 as the Center for Information Security (CIS), iSec quickly emerged as a leader in information assurance education and research.

First designated as a National Security Agency Center of Excellence in March 2000, the Institute was also one of the first entities to provide doctorate programs specializing in information assurance. iSec also offered a novel interdisciplinary program combining computer science, law, political science, history and economics.

The Institute was the only entity to participate in both the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense programs in 2001 and 2002. And in March 2002, iSec’s curriculum was the first to be certified under all five federal Committee on National Security Systems Standards for information assurance education.

After establishing strong government partnerships through its unparalleled work and accomplishments on sensitive research projects, officials launched the Institute for Information Security in 2007 with an expanded focus to include developing relationships within the private sector.