In Memoriam: Dr. Brandon Valeriano, Esteemed Cybersecurity Scholar and Seton Hall University Professor
The academic and international relations communities are mourning the loss of Dr. Brandon Valeriano, who passed away in April 2025. Dr. Valeriano was an Assistant Professor at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, where he made significant contributions to the fields of cybersecurity and international security.
Dr. Valeriano’s career was marked by a commitment to understanding the complexities of cyber conflict and its implications for global security. He served as the Bren Chair of Military Innovation at the Marine Corps University and was a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Danish Defense College. His expertise was sought by numerous institutions, including the United States Senate, the Canadian Senate, and the Parliament of the United Kingdom, where he provided testimony on cyber conflict.
An accomplished author, Dr. Valeriano published six books and over one hundred articles on topics ranging from cyber operations to hybrid warfare. His work was instrumental in advancing the academic discourse on cybersecurity, and he was known for his ability to bridge theoretical research with practical policy applications.
Dr. Valeriano’s dedication to education extended beyond his research. He was a respected educator who mentored countless students, fostering a new generation of scholars and practitioners in international relations. His colleagues remember him as a passionate teacher who brought energy and insight into the classroom.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Valeriano was deeply involved in the development of the Dyadic Cyber Incident Dataset (DCID), a peer-reviewed dataset that has become a foundational resource for researchers studying cyber interactions. His collaborative efforts with fellow scholars have left a lasting impact on the field.
Dr. Valeriano’s passing is a significant loss to the academic community. His contributions to the study of cybersecurity and international relations have shaped the way scholars and policymakers understand the digital landscape. He will be remembered for his intellectual rigor, his commitment to education, and his unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.
Seton Hall University and the broader academic community extend their deepest condolences to Dr. Valeriano’s family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future research and scholarship in cybersecurity and international relations.
