Executive Director for IT Networks and Security and Chief Information Security Officer

Scott Ksander
Executive Director,
Networks and Security
and Chief Information Security Officer

Scott Ksander was appointed Purdue’s chief information security officer and executive director of ITaP’s networks and security in early 2007. Ksander had held both positions in an interim capacity since August 2006.

Ksander oversees and implements Purdue’s procedures and processes for voice- and data-network operations. He also designs, enforces and officially comments on the University’s comprehensive information-security program. Leading a team of 73, Ksander reports to Gerry McCartney, Purdue’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

A self-described “computer geek,” Ksander has carried his passion for computing and technology from a fifth-grade science project to more than 35 years of professional experience.

After graduating from Purdue in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Ksander returned in 1987 to the Purdue University Computing Center – responsible for building the campus data network and instructional computing facilities. Since then, Ksander has held myriad roles in Purdue’s central IT department, now known as ITaP.

Prior to joining Purdue, Ksander worked in software development and operating-system security at Control Data and in program management at ETA Systems for the development of the ETA-10 supercomputer, which, at the time, was the world’s fastest. By today’s standards, it was slightly less powerful than the current generation of gaming systems.

Ksander also holds a courtesy appointment in Purdue’s College of Technology as an assistant professor and teaches classes in computer forensics. He has completed certification training, presented guest lectures, published numerous papers and delivered numerous presentations about the topic of inforensics.

Ksander is an associate member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and a founding member of the AAFS digital and multimedia section. As leader of the Purdue Security Officers Working Group, he provides investigative support to the Office of the Dean of Students, Purdue University Police Department and other applicable University departments.

Offering outreach to local, state and federal law enforcement, Ksander also assists with training and investigations and has been recognized by the FBI, Lafayette Police Department and Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department (with which he’s a special deputy sheriff). Ksander also represented Purdue on President George W. Bush’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Board regarding a national strategy to secure cyberspace.

In October, Ksander received the Executive Alliance’s 2008 Academic Information Security Executive of the Year award. In 2002, Ksander received the Purdue Alumni Association’s Special Boilermaker award, honoring his improvement of Purdue’s quality of life and educational experience. He also has been a Purdue Faculty Fellow for 17 years in Wiley Residence Hall and two years in McCutcheon Residence Hall.

Ksander and his wife, Peggy, met at Purdue and recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. Together, they have two children and this year became first-time grandparents. They look forward to guiding their grandson in the ways of a Boilermaker (assuming his parents approve).

Ksander can be reached by email or by phone at (765) 496-8289.