Cybersecurity and the X-Factor

Andrew W. (Andy) Green, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Information Security and Assurance in the Information Systems Department at Kennesaw State University, where he also serves as the program coordinator for the undergraduate degree in Information Security and Assurance. With nearly two decades of experience in information security, Andy has a background as a consultant for small and medium-sized businesses and has worked in healthcare IT, developing transcription interfaces for medical facilities. His research interests lie at the intersection of security, privacy, and public policy, with publications in top-tier academic journals and contributions to several academic textbooks used globally. Additionally, he frequently shares his expertise with local, regional, and national media on various information security issues.

Dr. Traci A. Carte is the Department Chair of Information Systems in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Georgia and previously taught at the University of Oklahoma for 15 years, where she received 15 teaching awards and two best paper awards for her research. Dr. Carte's expertise encompasses business process integration, data management, and collaborative technologies, with a focus on the role of information security across these areas. Her extensive background in academia and commitment to teaching excellence make her a significant contributor to the field of Information Systems.

Dr. Humayun Zafar is a Professor of Information Security and Assurance and the FinTech Coordinator at Kennesaw State University, where he has made significant contributions to cybersecurity research and education. He holds a doctorate from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has published extensively in academic journals while presenting at major conferences, such as Mobility Live!. In 2014, he was honored for his research efforts by Kennesaw State's Graduate School. Dr. Zafar also created the MAD Junior program to teach STEM concepts to middle school students through mobile game development, supported by grants from Google and partnerships with local non-profits. An experienced educator, he has taught numerous online courses in cybersecurity and holds multiple certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Outside of academia, he is an avid tennis player and marathon runner.

Dr. Herbert J. Mattord is a Professor of Information Security and Assurance at Kennesaw State University, where he teaches courses in cybersecurity and serves as the Director of Education and Outreach at the KSU Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. With 26 years of experience in the IT industry prior to his academic career, which began in 2002, Dr. Mattord has held various roles including application developer, database administrator, project manager, and information security practitioner. His practical expertise was further enhanced during his tenure as the Manager of Corporate Information Technology Security at Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Additionally, he has taught as an adjunct professor at several institutions and is a co-author of key textbooks in the field, including Principles of Information Security and Management of Information Security. Dr. Mattord earned his Ph.D. in Information Systems with a focus on Information Security from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Michael Whitman is a Professor of Information Security in the Information Systems and Security Department at Kennesaw State University, where he also serves as the Executive Director of the KSU Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. With a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, Dr. Whitman teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in cybersecurity and has made significant contributions to the field through numerous publications in top academic journals. He is a co-author of several widely used textbooks in information security and has played a crucial role in establishing Kennesaw State as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education, recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Under his leadership, the university's cybersecurity programs have flourished, reflecting his commitment to advancing education and workforce development in this critical area.