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Illustration photo (123rf)
Illustration photo (123rf)

The Ariel University in Samaria will open a new cyber speciality as part of the computer science undergraduate studies. Studies will focus on practical applications, in-depth computer science theoretical approaches and information security. The new curriculum was based on the requirements of the IDF and the security establishment.

The cyber arena has been developing very quickly over the last few years, as evidenced by the rise in the number of attacks and threats, in Israel and globally. 450 local Israeli cyber defense firms employ some 30,000 workers and develop cutting edge computer science solutions. The appearance of new forms of cyber crime led to a need for a proper response. The Israeli government made becoming a cyber-superpower a strategic goal, marking cyberspace as the fifth combat arena.

The Ariel University in Samaria aims to lead the developing cyber arena in the academic world, focusing on adding a large number of cyber specialists to its staff. In order to reach those goals the university established the cyber center as part its the computer science undergraduate studies, in addition to establishing new research laboratories in the Department of Computer Science and Mathermatics. In addition, the university established an advanced cyber technology research center headed by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Ami Shafran, former head of the IDF’s C4I Branch.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The university will offer its cyber specialization undergraduate studies courses starting October 2014. Classes will focus on cyber warfare and practical cyber attack and cyber defense applications. Students will study, among other topics, security in wireless and mobile networks, cryptography, advanced topics in cyber defense, pattern recognition, workshops for cyber projects and more. During the academic year the university will be in close cooperation with the security establishment, including various IDF divisions such as the Intelligence Branch and the Cyber Division.

The cyber studies will be open to top students, including those in the IDF Academic Reserve. Students will acquire valuable cyber warfare skills and take part in the ongoing research of the cyber research center. In addition to theoretical classes such as communications and cryptography students will also study the most advanced technologies and investigate recent cyber incidents.

During their third academic year students will write their thesis as part of their studies in the Cyber Research and Technologies Center. Research projects will focus on developing defensive capabilities and cyber attack immunity: Developing multi-layer systems incorporating hardware, software and users. Additional secondary projects will focus on assessing cyber-immunity of systems; immunizing systems; analysis and detection of system vulnerabilities; protocols and man-machine interfaces; and the development of immunized architectures.