New York Institute of Technology president Dr Edward Guiliano on the importance of cybersecurity and the NYIT’s upcoming instructional seminar.
How is NYIT different from other universities?
As a leading American university based in New York, and with several campuses and university partners strategically positioned around the globe, NYIT is uniquely positioned to educate global citizens capable of addressing and solving emerging challenges. The NYIT curriculum is the same everywhere, so students have the option to pursue coursework at our campuses worldwide without interruption to their academic progress.
What has your research told you about people’s attitude towards cyber security?
Our faculty has recognised experts in many fields, including cybersecurity. Research shows that people don’t protect themselves enough from cyberthreats. In fact, the most vulnerable individuals don’t know enough about cyberattacks nor about protection strategies and tools against such attacks.
Why is cybersecurity so important in today’s world?
Cybersecurity violations range from breaches to the privacy, identity, and personal data of individuals to multimillion-dollar thefts of bank accounts, industrial and national secrets. Cyberattacks have jumped over 40 percent in the past few years at the pace of millions of attacks per day. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that more than 11 million Americans are victims of identity theft.
What can attendees of the two-day seminar this month expect to see? Who will be speaking at the event?
Attendees will gain fundamental and practical knowledge about cyberattacks. A demonstration of a cyberattack will show how an intrusion takes place. Two of NYIT’s top academics, Paolo Gasti and Robert Marano, will lead the events. Professor Gasti is an expert in privacy-preserving genomic computation, biometrics, secure multi-party protocols, and network security. Professor Marano, an expert in Big Data Analytics, social and mobile computing, is a former director of emerging software technologies at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and co-founder of the Hackerati.
When will the NYIT’s cyber security course be running from and are there restrictions on who can enroll?
Our Master of Science degree in Information, Network and Computer Security is currently under review by the Commission for Academic Accreditation. We anticipate this process to be completed in Spring 2014 and, pending approval, hope to offer courses by Autumn 2014. Admission is open to all candidates holding a bachelor’s degree and possessing a knowledge of computer science. Education and/or experience in computer science, engineering, management, information technology, mathematics, or criminal justice are common pathways to this degree.
NYIT’s CyberSecurity seminar will take place Jan 15-16. For more information visit www.nyit.edu/united_arab_emirates/events
