NOTE: Faculty, if you are interviewed and quoted by news media, or if your work has been cited, and you have an online link to the article or video, please let us know. Contact us at news@csusb.edu.  

CSUSB professor discusses preventing cyber attacks as an increasing challenge for academic institutions
The Sun
Aug. 30, 2020

Preventing attacks from hackers and cybercriminals is an increasing concern for academic institutions already facing enormous challenges during this time of distance learning.

Tony Coulson, a professor and director of the cybersecurity center at Cal State San Bernardino, said institutions below the college level are the ones most vulnerable to a breach.

“It’s just a matter of economics in those cases,” Coulson said. “Launching a cyberattack is cheap, but it can take millions of dollars to prevent them or recover from them. There are multi-billion-dollar corporations that spend millions of dollars when it comes to cybersecurity, and some still get attacked. Many school districts just don’t have the resources, whether budgetary or personnel, to handle a sophisticated attack.”

What advice do cybersecurity experts have for institutions that are underfunded or understaffed in this department?

One important steps is basic user education, Coulson said.

“No matter what the company, organization or institution is, the biggest threat to security is the end user,” Coulson said. “If you can control the end point, you have a lot more control over your system. So the risk is higher when there are more devices in the hands of students who might not be able to spot a phishing email or something even more harmful.

“We need to educate people what to look for and report any suspicious activity. If you have to think twice about clicking on something, it’s probably a good idea not to. Taking a step back at that moment actually is a step forward for security.”

Read the complete article at “Preventing cyber attacks an increasing challenge for academic institutions.”

CSUSB faculty member wins award
IE Business Daily
Aug. 30, 2020

Terri Nelson, a professor of French at Cal State San Bernardino, has been awarded Cal State University’s Innovation and Leadership award. One of 25 Cal State faculty to receive the award, Nelson was recognized for her “innovative approach to curricular and faculty development.”

Nelson joined the university’s department of world languages and literatures 25 years ago.

“[Terri] Nelson is an outstanding professional development leader and a highly effective and innovative teacher with demonstrable impact on student success and lifelong learning,” said Mihaela Popescu, professor of communication studies at Cal State San Bernardino, in the statement.

Read the complete article at “CSUSB faculty member wins award.”

CSUSB launches School of Entrepreneurship, first in California
Small Business Exchange
Aug. 29, 2020

With the start of the 2020 fall semester, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) will launch the School of Entrepreneurship, the first of its kind in California. The unique program, one of less than 15 existing worldwide, will boost the university’s already highly successful entrepreneurship program.

The School of Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, further places CSUSB as a leading entity in the growing field of entrepreneurship education, said Mike Stull, a professor of entrepreneurship and director of the university’s Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, who will serve as the school’s director.

“Establishing the School of Entrepreneurship is an important step for CSUSB and the Jack H. Brown College as it evolves and innovates to meet the needs of students and the local community,” said Stull. “We envision a substantial positive impact, as it will further cement the JHBC reputation as a leader in the field of entrepreneurship education and increase the college’s ability to engage with the local business community in terms of relationships, collaboration, and resources.”

Read the complete article at “CSUSB launches School of Entrepreneurship, first in California.”

CSUSB professor mentions rise of vigilantism at recent protests
BuzzFeed News
Aug. 30, 2020

One related topic discussed in an article examining the outbreak of violence in Kenosha, Wisc., and Portland, Ore., – and how it may be an indicator of the future leading to the November elections – was some people electing to arm themselves at protests, saying they were protecting property and augmenting law enforcement.

“We’re seeing this cultural embrace of vigilantism,” said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino.

Read the complete article at “Portland and Kenosha could be America's violent future.”

CSUSB professor comments on latest involving the United Nations and Trump administration over sanctions against Iran 
Press TV 
Aug. 28, 2020 

David Yaghoubian, CSUSB professor of history, was interviewed for a segment about the Trump administration’s continuing call for the United Nations to reinstate, or “snapback,” sanctions against Iran under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the multi-national agreement that regulates Iran’s nuclear program – despite the fact that the administration pulled the U.S. out of the multi-national agreement in 2018. The U.N. Security Council rejected U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s assertion.  

Yaghoubian said the Trump administration’s posture “has everything to do with the (presidential) election in November” and appeal to the president’s base of supporters. “This sort of obstinance and, honestly, this sort of illegal activity, on the international stage actually plays well amongst the Trump base, unfortunately,” he said. “So there really isn’t any agreement whatsoever within the Security Council beyond the overall consensus that the United States does not have any legal moves left within the JCPOA after pulling out in May of 2018.” 

Watch the segment at “US obviously does not understand law or UN after thrice being defeated: Iran FM.” 

These news clips and others may be viewed at “In the Headlines.”