Troy University’s Information Technology department has been recognized as one of the top three in the nation for the second year in a row.

Troy’s IT Department was notified late last year it had been named a finalist in the 2010 SC Awards for its outstanding achievement in IT security, and the winner will be announced in March.

“This award process is a tremendous recognition of our IT security team’s work with over 50,000 end-users to train, foster awareness and promote a secure computing environment within the Troy University global network,” said Chief Security and Technology Officer Greg Price.

Not only has the department been named one of the top three out of 600 firms in the nation, Price was personally named as one of 10 finalists for the Chief Security Officer of the Year award.

“Personally, the recognition represents an affirmation that we work diligently to pursue a secure computing environment for all of Troy University,” Price said. “To be recognized individually as one of the top ten CSOs in the nation is a great honor, as well. When I received the notifications this year, to see Troy University IT ranked among corporate entities such as eBay, Google and HP is a very satisfying experience.”

Price said each year, audits are performed on IT security facilities, and those firms submitted Troy University’s IT department to the award program.

“Last year we were in the top three in the nation. This year we are in the top three once again,” Price said.

The SC Awards stem from SC Magazine, which provides IT security professionals with in-depth information on information related to the profession.

Troy University’s department, which serves more than 40,000 users and operates 24-hours a day, has been recognized after 15 years of working with the Department of Justice.

In addition, Price said the university’s work the Alabama Bureau of Investigations, Alabama Attorney General’s Office, FBI and other local law enforcement agencies through its forensics lab have assisted with the school’s efforts to build a secure facility.

“We have a unique opportunity to not only review significant criminal case evidence but to work on major security research projects, as well,” Price said.

Price said it is also the support of university leadership that has led to the department’s success.

“The support of Troy University administration is pivotal in our successes. We work with a well-informed leadership team that accepts that secure computing is a strategic enabler,” Price said.

Winners of this year’s awards will be announced in San Francisco on March 2.