Partnering with specialists Block Harbor Cybersecurity will help UWindsor students develop skills in high demand, says engineering professor Mitra Mirhassani, co-director of the SHIELD Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.

Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the company develops tests to determine whether vehicles are meeting standards against cyber threats. It will provide cases to SHIELD for training in assessing the robustness of vehicle security measures.

The partnership provides a valuable link between academe and industry, Dr. Mirhassani says.

“SHIELD was established with the goal of training experts in this exciting field,” she says. “Automotive cybersecurity requires a hands-on approach.”

Wenjuan Lu, director of products for Block Harbor, notes there is a need for professionals with the highly specific skill set required to perform these tests: “We are excited to work with the University of Windsor to equip their students with the latest knowledge and highly sought-after skills in the field.”