Facebook awards $250K grand to U Alabama to fight cybercrime

The Center for Information Assurance and Joint Forensics Research at the U of Alabama have announced they’ve recieved a $250,000 grant from Facebook in recognition of the University’s role in tracking international criminals behind the social-media botnet Koobface as well as other spammers. Interestingly, and quite fittingly, the grant comes from money Facebook has recovered from spammers from around the world and is intended to continue the fight against cybercrime.

In announcing the grant, Facebook Chief Security Officer (and NCSA Board Member) Joe Sullivan said, “As a result of numerous collaborations over the years, Facebook recognizes the center as both a partner in fighting Internet abuse, and as a critical player in developing future experts who will become dedicated cybersecurity professionals.”