Cybersecurity Center


Welcome to The Cybersecurity Center

CAE CommunityThe National Security Agency (NSA) has designated HCCC as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)”


Logo for the National Science FoundationHCCC was awarded a $599,811 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for its program, “Nurturing Resilience: Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals with a Focus on Women.

Learn More

Designation, Validation & Certificates

Logos for National Security Agency, United States Department of Homeland Security, and Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community

Ӱ has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE -CD) for the validated program(s) of study through academic year 2027.

HCCC’s ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.  The National Cyber Strategy, September 2018, addresses the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills and highlights the importance of higher education as a solution to defending America’s cyberspace. “A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.”  “The United States Government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through postsecondary education.” Education is the key to promoting these ideals.

Designation Certificate

 

The National Security Agency () and a committee of academic peers has validated the Computer Science - Cybersecurity Associate in Science (A.S.) for HCCC, through academic year 2027. The Program of Study Validation proves our ability to meet the increasing demands for serving the nation and contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.

Validation Certificate

 

EC Council Certificate

 

Cybersecurity Programs

 
A classroom with students sitting at computer desks, facing a teacher giving a presentation on a screen. The room has green walls and modern decor.

Provides instruction in computer programming on the application and system levels, an understanding of computer hardware organization and architectures, and a working knowledge of network security, Cybersecurity, data communications and local area networks.

Instructor giving a lecture in a classroom with computers. Posters and framed pictures on walls. Screens show various images and text.

Equips students for entry-level roles in cybersecurity, including network troubleshooting, network defense, basic computer forensics, and fundamental network management. It also covers the development and implementation of information security policies and procedures. Credits earned through this certificate can be applied toward an Associate A.S. Degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity.

 

Join our Cybersecurity Club!

A group of cybersecurity students and their instructor gathered in front of a projected image looking at the camera.

The ultimate hub for students passionate about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network defense. Our mission is to create a collaborative space where members can sharpen their skills, tackle real-world security challenges, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

From hands-on competitions to guest speaker events and team-based challenges, we provide opportunities for students to learn, network, and grow. Students of all skill levels and majors are welcome! Use the link below to visit our Involved page to see recent pictures, upcoming events and more.

Upcoming Events

More events coming soon!

 

Past Events

Cybersecurity and Pizza!

February 25, 2025
6:00 P.M.
STEM Building Multipurpose Room

Hear from our Faculty, Alumni and Mentors! Learn more about what mentorship can do for you!

RSVP by emailing stemprogramsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Cybersecurity and Pizza!

 

"Capture The Smart Tag" Competition at Kean University

On January 24, 2025, HCCC’s Cybersecurity Club participated in the Capture The Smart Tag competition at Kean University, demonstrating their expertise in cybersecurity and problem-solving. The team’s outstanding performance earned them First Place and the MVP Award, highlighting their dedication, teamwork, and technical skills. Congratulations to our talented students for this remarkable achievement!

Watch video here:

 

Careers in STEM: Industry Speaker Panel

December 6, 2024
3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
STEM Building Multipurpose Room

Join us for a panel of speakers from various disciplines and careers in STEM! Hear about their academic and career-related journeys, the decisions they made, and the obstacles they overcame. Participate in a Q&A session and learn about the various paths and opportunities that a student in STEM can take.

Speakers include:

  • Alexandra Velez (IT Security Consultant, Entrepreneur, & HCCC Alumni)
  • Catalin Martin (Associate Professor of Engineering Physics @ Ramapo College)
  • Damiano Tulipani (Chief Information Security Officer & Senior Vice President @ Amalgamated Bank)
  • Inez Cruz (Instructor & Clinical Coordinator of Radiography @ HCCC)
  • John Barr (Chemistry Teaching Fellow @ Princeton University)
  • Patricia Clay (Associate Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer @ HCCC)

Event open to all! Food, drink, and prizes will be provided.

Careers in STEM flyer

 

June 18, 2024 - Cybersecurity Webinar

Learn more about one of the fastest-growing fields in the market!

Cybersecurity Webinar

Read more information here!

The webinar will be conducted on Tuesday, June 18th, between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 
Join Virtually:  
Meeting Number: 2635 061 2033
Password: J64hTfdWtT6

 

April 4, 2024 - STEM Presents Cybersecurity Speaker Event

Cybersecurity Speaker Event - Damiano Tulipani

Thursday, April 4, 2024
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

263 Academy Street (STEM Building)
Multi-Purpose Room


Meeting number: 2633 644 7948
Password: Security2024

For more information, contact:
Yavuz Guner
(201) 360-4642
ygunerFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
stemprogramsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

 

March 6 & 7, 2024 - AI & Cyber Webinar Series

AI & Cyber WebinarSeries

March 6 & 7, 2024 - AI & Cyber Webinar Series
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.


Dial in: +1-571-392-7650
PIN: 827 896 2014

March 7, 8 & 9, 2023 - Cybersecurity Webinar Series

Cybersecurity Webinar Series

 

December 7, 8 & 12, 2022 - Cybersecurity Webinar Series

Cybersecurity Webinar Series

 

June 14 & 21 - Networking Technology Workshop at HCCC

Cybersecurity

Learn how networks impact daily life and basic implementation of network solutions.

  • Learn how computer networks have broken down boundaries for global communications and the network components used to do it.
  • Explore network device configurations and how security is fundamental part of computer networking in a home network connected to the internet or in an enterprise environment.

View Flyer

May 3-5 - Virtual Cybersecurity Workshop at HCCC

hccc cybersecurity workshop cover

Current Cybersecurity News

  • HCCC has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA. In NJ, it is the 3rd Community College and the 10th institution to receive this designation.


Internships and Work Opportunities

FBI Honors Internship Program 2025 Flyer

Open Flyer 

Internship from June to August 2025.

  • 10-week paid internship with opportunities for permanent and part-time positions.*
  • Internships located in Washington, D.C., Quantico, and across the nation.
  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Meet with senior FBI leaders and executives across divisions.
  • Work-life balance and wellness initiatives.
  • Opportunities to network with mentors, colleagues, and peers.

* Permanent of part-time positions may be located in any of the FBI's 56 U.S. Field Offices.

 

Reboot Scholar Transfer Success Fund Flyer

Open Flyer   

The Reboot Scholar Transfer Success Fund supports Black, Latina, and Native American women and nonbinary students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions. The Fund invests in promising transfer students with financial need to help them pursue bachelor's degrees in computing fields like computer science, information systems, data science, and more.

No GPA requirement to apply and no repayment for any grant awarded.

 

Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program Flyer

Open Flyer 

Microsoft and Last Mile Education Fund have partnered together to provide a one-time, $500 cash assistance grant for financially vulnerable community college student pursuing cybersecurity pathways.

Grants can be used for certification exam costs, tuition and books, groceries, utilities bills, a new laptop device and much more!

There is no GPA requirement to apply and no repayment for any grant awarded.

Secure your future in Cybersecurity!

Scholarship recipients also receive:

  • Free, 1-year, Linkedin Premium Subscription (one time only)
  • Free membership to Global Mentors Initiative
  • Free Github Global Campus Student Developer Tools

 

Cash Assistance for Cybersecurity Students Flyer

Up to $500 cash assistance and industry certification vouchers for community college students pursuing degrees in the cybersecurity field.

Qualifying expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Tuition
  • Rent
  • Car Repairs
  • Utility Bills
  • Childcare
  • Groceries
  • Industry Certification Exams

 

Security Alerts and Information from ITS

Cybersecurity Events  Phish Bowl

Training and Guides by ITS

Guides and How-To's  

Program Advisory Board

  • Gabriela Melendez
  • Mohanad Mohamed
  • Morris Nessim

Cybersecurity Faculty Members

Prof. Faisal Aljamal - Email: FaljamalFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
Prof. Yavuz Guner - Email: YgunerFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
Prof. Ghenaj Sanih - Email: GsanihFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
Slide for more

Contact Person

Faisal Aljamal
Coordinator of Cybersecurity Program
263 Academy Street, Room S405A
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4746
faljamalFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
263 Academy Street, Room S204
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4265
stemprogramsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE