First UAE educational institution initiative to increase awareness of new cyber threats and techniques to combat them

Three-day cyber security boot camp to be held frequently

Sharjah, UAE, 16th January 2013-- American University of Sharjah (AUS), one of the world's top 500 universities, announced today that it will organize its first cyber security boot camp to update general computer users from professionals and students on the latest cyber security threats and the techniques to combat cyber-crime. To be held at the AUS from 9am to 4pm on January 20-22, 2013, the boot camp will showcase the knowledge and insight gained by the AUS Department of Computer Science & Engineering as it monitors and analyzes new trends in cybercrime. AUS is the first UAE educational institution to organize such a boot camp for the general public and address the wide range of issues related to online security.

The three-day boot camp is part of the AUS community outreach and is a first in a series of such information sessions that will be held frequently during 2013. It is ideal for high school students, university students and professionals who wish to expand their knowledge and capability in computer and network security. Lectures, live demonstrations, real-world examples and interactive practical labs will be utilised to explain the latest cyber security threats and online attacks on home or office networks. It will help identify the attackers as well as weaknesses in user networks, technology gadgets and net surfing habits. Participants will learn about the latest methods to protect themselves from being hacked and what to do in case of suspicious Internet activity.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering, AUS, who is also a Computer Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), will oversee the boot camp. He said: "With the rise in IT security risks, governments, banks, companies and universities are required to provide continuous information security awareness training to their employees and students. This workshop is designed to meet the requirements of many organizations to provide annual information security awareness training to its employees and students. Today, Cyber Criminals are targeting the normal computer users to hack into the organization, making the computer user the weakest link in the security chain. The wide use of technology, fast internet access and the availability of smart phones and gadgets that can store vast amount of data are making it easier for the cyber criminals to target regular computer users. Helping the users understand the latest threats, types of hackers and their goals, and mechanisms to detect attacks and fraud can help the users and the organization be safe. Doing it an earlier stage such as high school or university will be useful. This boot camp is designed to help participants use the Internet safely and learn how to respond if they are ever hacked."

Additional topics that Dr. Fadi Aloul will cover at the boot camp include Password Security & Encryption, Physical Security & Key loggers, Network Security & Viruses, Worms and Trojans, Wireless & Mobile Security, Social Media Security, Web Security & Phishing Attacks, Email Security & Spam Attacks and Denial of Service Attacks.

All participants that complete the camp will receive a Certificate of Attendance. The boot camp will have a maximum attendance of 30 participants to help make the sessions more personalized. High School Students, University Students and Professionals can register for the boot camp at http://aus.fikket.com  

About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The university was envisaged by His Highness as a leading educational institution in the Gulf region. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, institution of higher education formed on the American model.

Ranked among the world's top 500 universities according to London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2012, one of the world's most trusted university rankings.  AUS offers 26 majors and 54 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees through the College of Architecture, Art and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; and the School of Business and Management. These programs are designed to meet the challenges of a competitive and dynamic business and industrial environment.  

As a provider of quality higher education in the Gulf, AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates. AUS is accredited in the United States of America by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and by the Department of Education of the State of Delaware.

The bachelor of science programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering offered by the AUS College of Engineering are accredited by ABET, http://www.abet.org of the United States. The Bachelor of Architecture program of the College of Architecture, Art and Design is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the United States. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) as well as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees offered by the School of Business and Management are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

For more information, please contact:
AUS
Miriam Kiwan
Director of Strategic Communications and Media
+971 6 515 1040 / mkiwan@aus.edu
Nazzal Yousef
Director of Media Relations
+971 6 515 2157 / nyousuf@aus.edu  
 
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Sandeep Sharma/ Rebecca Sageman 
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, Dubai, UAE
+971 4 4507 600
Sandeep.Sharma@bm.com
Rebecca.Sageman@bm.com

© Press Release 2013