Bern University of Applied Sciences: focus on cyber security
As digitalization progresses, the security of sensitive data is becoming a key challenge for companies and institutions worldwide. The growing complexity of the IT landscape and the large volumes of data as well as the sophisticated methods used by attackers mean that cyber security measures are now indispensable.
As the digital age changes, hacker attacks on large companies with extensive data sets are on the rise. The compromise of customer data and the threat to publish - or even the actual publication or sale - of further sensitive information highlight the urgency with which the issue of cyber security must be addressed.
The Department of Engineering and Information Technology TI at Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH is intensively involved in the field of cyber and information security: with the Institute for Cybersecurity and Engineering ICE and the specialization in IT security in the Bachelor's program in Computer Science and the two continuing education programs Master of Advanced Studies in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation, BFH is already very well positioned in this area. BFH-TI will continue to expand its activities in this area in the future. The opening of a new laboratory for cyber security is planned for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, the new Information and Cyber Security profile on the consecutive Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) programme offers students the opportunity to specialize at Master's level.
Multidisciplinary specialists for cyber and information security
With practical content, including software assurance, cybersecurity and digital forensics, the study program in the new MSE profile offers a sound education. Graduates are equipped with skills to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, IT infrastructure and software. The scientific depth, involvement in research projects and close cooperation with industry give students a direct link to real-life information security challenges during their individual skills development.
Prof. Andreas Habegger, Head of MSE, underlines the importance of the development of the digital age: "The ever-increasing threats in the field of cyber security require a multidisciplinary approach. Our range of courses with the option to focus on individual specialist areas enables us to train the specialists we are looking for. They are the ones who understand the complexity of these challenges and can develop and implement effective countermeasures."
The head of the new profile, Prof. Dr. Bruce Nikkel, was elected coordinator of the profile commission at national level. "Our mission is to provide in-depth education in the areas of information security, data protection, network security and cyber threat defense. Given the continuously growing need for experts in this field, we are convinced that this profile will provide our graduates with crucial skills and knowledge," explains Prof. Dr. Bruce Nikkel.
Bern University of Applied Sciences recognizes the need to take measures not only at a technological level, but also in the area of awareness-raising, in order to effectively counter these challenges. Cooperation between companies, institutions and educational establishments is becoming increasingly important in order to jointly develop solution strategies in the field of cyber security.
Source: www.bfh.ch
