Faction Networks and SUNY Albany Partner to Advance Cybersecurity Research and Workforce Development

Faction Networks, a pioneer in decentralized Zero Trust cybersecurity solutions, has announced a strategic collaboration with the University at Albany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity (CEHC). The partnership aims to strengthen cybersecurity testing, drive innovation in cyber insurance models, and accelerate workforce development in the field.

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Under the initiative, Faction Networks will integrate its proprietary networking technologies and security expertise into CEHC’s research and academic ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on three key areas:

  • Cybersecurity Testing and Validation – CEHC researchers will assess and validate Faction’s next-generation cybersecurity solutions to ensure robust, real-world protection.
  • Cyber Insurance Innovation – Both organizations will pursue joint grants to design new insurance frameworks that reduce risk exposure for providers and lower costs for customers.
  • Hands-on Learning and Industry Engagement – CEHC students and faculty will gain access to advanced lab environments featuring Faction’s secure network systems. These labs will serve as training grounds for practical learning and host pilot programs for regional businesses.

Beyond research, the initiative emphasizes talent development—bridging classroom instruction with real-world cybersecurity applications to better prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors.

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“Many people are unaware that the U.S. is already engaged in ongoing cyber conflicts led by state-sponsored actors such as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon from China, as well as groups from Russia, North Korea, and Iran,” said Geoff Halstead of Faction Networks. “Addressing these persistent threats requires collaboration across academia, government, and industry. Our partnership with the University at Albany’s CEHC underscores this shared commitment. By embedding our cybersecurity technologies within CEHC’s labs, we’re not only improving our solutions but also helping to train the next generation of professionals who will secure our nation’s digital future.”

The partnership aligns with CEHC’s mission to combine people, technology, and interdisciplinary research in solving complex, modern challenges.

“Our collaboration with Faction Networks expands the applied learning experiences that are central to CEHC’s programs,” said Dr. Ariel Pinto, Chair and Professor of Cybersecurity and Director of the Cyber Cascade Risk (CCR) Lab at the University at Albany. “By giving students access to cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and platforms, we’re preparing them to confront emerging threats and lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

This joint effort between Faction Networks and SUNY Albany reflects a growing movement to unify academic research, technological innovation, and workforce readiness in the fight against evolving cyber threats.

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