Seton Hall University Launches Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Lab

The College of Arts and Sciences is making significant investments in cybersecurity with the launch of its new Cybersecurity Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance education and research in the field. Led by program director Manfred Minimair, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Shajina Anand, Ph.D., who oversees the lab’s day-to-day activities, this renovated space is part of a broader initiative to establish Seton Hall University as a leader in cybersecurity education.

The Cybersecurity Lab, part of the computer science program, serves as a critical resource for students pursuing cybersecurity studies. The facility features cutting-edge technology that allows students to safely practice and experiment on secure networks. Students engage in coursework, participate in research and compete in cybersecurity competitions, such as the one organized by the United States Cyber Command, gaining valuable real-world experience.

Seton Hall now offers a minor and certificate in Cybersecurity open to students in any major. Successful alumni in the cybersecurity field have coupled the minor with majors in psychology, political science, philosophy and other disciplines beyond computer science. The program includes specialized courses such as ISCI 1110: Introduction to Cybersecurity, which allows all students, regardless of their major or prior programming experience, to explore the field.

The interactive lab environment helps students develop technical skills while gaining hands-on experience handling cybersecurity incidents. Students utilize industry-standard tools like Snort, Wireshark, Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Nikto, Metasploit, Nmap, the ELK stack, Splunk, Suricata, OpenVAS and Autopsy, along with virtualized network environments, to practice detecting, analyzing and responding to cyberattacks in a safe, controlled setting. An innovative Security Operations Center is being planned for the room across the hall. The center is intended to go beyond teaching, ideally allowing prepared students to intern alongside real industry professionals at a leading cybersecurity firm while working on real cybersecurity incidents.

The Cybersecurity Lab, located on the second floor of Duffy Hall, is just the first step in a broader effort to expand computing and technology education at Seton Hall. The next phase of renovations in Duffy Hall includes the creation of a computer engineering lab, further strengthening the university’s computing infrastructure and providing space for students to understand how computers, smartphones and networks are built. Concurrently, renovations are starting in Corrigan Hall to outfit a semiconductor lab, where students can learn hands-on how computer chips are manufactured. Plans are also underway to develop a data science engineering lab in Duffy, as well as a common area for students to meet. It will be a great space for the cybersecurity, robotics, AI and IEEE clubs to hold their meetings and events. These facilities are being renovated in anticipation of future undergraduate and graduate programming in cybersecurity, software and Artificial Intelligence.

As the need for cybersecurity grows, so does the College of Arts and Sciences’ commitment to computing education. The college is planning a Cybersecurity Symposium in October 2025, bringing together industry professionals, students and faculty for discussions on the latest challenges and innovations in the field. The symposium will help students build relationships and gain further insight into cybersecurity as well as career opportunities for the future.

The launch of Seton Hall University’s Cybersecurity Lab marks a significant step forward in the institution’s commitment to advancing education and research opportunities for its students. With new resources, a hands-on learning environment and future plans for expansion — including a new M.S. in Data Science and Engineering — the College of Arts and Sciences is working to become a leader in cybersecurity education. Students will benefit from numerous opportunities to develop their skills, from competing in national competitions to engaging with industry professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared for the growing demands of the cybersecurity field.

Categories: Science and Technology