AUS professor raises awareness about computer and network security during Cyber Security Boot Camp

American University of Sharjah (AUS) began its two-day Cyber Security Boot Camp on December 21, 2014, to expand the knowledge of students and professionals (engineering and non-engineering) in computer and network security. As the increased risks of cyber threats are expanding in today's era of technology, the necessary lectures provided by Dr. Fadi Ahmed Aloul, the camp instructor and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the AUS College of Engineering, serve to help the general computer users to avoid cyber threats and attacks they could face at home or at the office.

The idea behind the camp is to teach the attendees about the latest cyber security threats and attacks against them by finding out who their attackers are, identifying their weaknesses, and learning about the latest methods to be protected from being hacked.

The camp content included various areas to learn about and focus on in the cyber world such as the challenges of securing information, password security and encryption, email security and spam attacks, wireless and mobile security, security while using smart devices, phishing attacks, as well as social engineering and identity theft attacks.

The boot camp included lectures, live demonstrations, real-world examples and interactive hands-on exercises provided by Dr. Aloul.

"UAE is moving forward in becoming a leader in the smart and mobile government initiatives and technology will play a great role in achieving this goal," said Dr. Aloul. "Therefore UAE residents must learn how to use the technology in a secure way. The Cyber Security Boot Camp will help residents safeguard themselves while using these smart services and gadgets.

Participating professionals included representatives from AUS, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), BETA IT, and Saudi Aramco. "This was a well-presented boot camp in a very interesting and engaging medium," said May Manna, a consultant at Beta Information Technology. "I recommend it for all computing users as it provides security cyber threats and prevention techniques awareness which is crucial to protect our assets."

All participants that completed the camp received a Certificate of Attendance.