Payne, Abegaz will present in Tel Aviv
University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) computer science faculty members Dr. Bryson Payne and Dr. Tamirat Abegaz will present their research at the conference set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Payne is a professor of computer science and coordinator of student cybersecurity programs and Abegaz is an associate professor of computer science in the Mike Cottrell College of Business.
More than 17,000 professionals are expected to gather to discuss "the latest technological innovations, challenges and solutions in cyber," according to the conference website.
Payne will present a hands-on demonstration of an ethical hacking attack on a simulated automotive system, and Abegaz will present on the roles of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity research and practice.
"We are honored to be invited to speak at Cybertech Global Tel Aviv, and we are grateful to our partners at the Consulate General of Israel, as well as to state Rep. Brent Cox, Ben Jarrard and retired Col. Chris Mitchiner, who helped make this collaboration possible," Payne said. "Automotive cybersecurity has become a critically important field. With remote connectivity, automated driver-assist and even self-driving features available in millions of cars on the road today, securing automotive systems from cyberattacks is more crucial than ever."
Abegaz has brought back research ideas from previous conferences. He sees a similar opportunity in Tel Aviv.
The professionals here at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are sought to speak internationally. That alone shows the expertise the university possesses. Our students are learning cybersecurity from the most qualified faculty in the field.
Retired Col. Christopher Mitchiner
Executive director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Institute for Cyber Operations
"We learn at these conferences," Abegaz said. "We take innovative ideas and experiences and share them with our students."
Mitchiner, executive director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Institute for Cyber Operations, is grateful to see Payne and Abegaz represent Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
"The professionals here at Â鶹ÊÓƵ are sought to speak internationally. That alone shows the expertise the university possesses," Mitchiner said. "Our students are learning cybersecurity from the most qualified faculty in the field."
Payne taught a two-day car-hacking and automotive cybersecurity for the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center in Minneapolis in August 2022. NCyTE is an Advanced Technological Education National Center, grant-funded by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with the National Security Agency's (NSA) Centers of Academic Excellence program.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been designated an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2027.
While in Israel, Payne and Abegaz will spend an additional day speaking with the leadership team at Cyber 2.0. Payne serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for Cyber 2.0, a cybersecurity firm in Tel Aviv focused on securing IT systems and operational technologies, from power and water infrastructure to automotive, maritime and aviation systems.
Officers grew thanks to opportunities at Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Jaden Clark-Davidson and Brandon Clark-Davidson were two of the 20 Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets who commissioned Sept. 10 as second lieutenants in the Army and Georgia Army National Guard.
Students gain cyber immersion in summer
Two Â鶹ÊÓƵ students further enhanced their skills this summer at Cyber Summer Immersion events funded by the Department of War.
Stone earns prestigious accounting scholarship
Â鶹ÊÓƵ student Sophia Stone has earned a $15,000 scholarship to support her studies in accounting. Stone is pursuing a Master of Accountancy.
Simmons takes cyber fast track thanks to Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Zach Simmons took advantage of multiple opportunities afforded by Â鶹ÊÓƵ to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees in two and a half years before entering the cyber workforce.