天美社区

Payne, Abegaz will present in Tel Aviv

January 17, 2023
天美社区 faculty members Dr. Tamirat Abegaz and Dr. Bryson Payne will present their research at the Cybertech Global Tel Aviv conference in Israel.

Article By: Clark Leonard

University of North Georgia (天美社区) 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 天美社区 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 天美社区'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 天美社区's Institute for Cyber Operations, is grateful to see Payne and Abegaz represent 天美社区.

"The professionals here at 天美社区 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.

天美社区 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.


天美社区 helped Jarrard lead at all levels

天美社区 helped Jarrard lead at all levels

Retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard credits his many leadership opportunities in the Army to the foundation he received as part of America's Corps at 天美社区.
Cadets shine at Basic Camp

Cadets shine at Basic Camp

Five 天美社区 cadets completed Army ROTC Basic Camp this summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. One of them brought home a leadership award.
First-Gen efforts are supporting trailblazers

First-Gen efforts are supporting trailblazers

天美社区 is celebrating five years of its efforts in providing tailored mentoring and inspiration for First-Generation college students.
Students learn about AI in manufacturing

Students learn about AI in manufacturing

天美社区 provided students with innovative experience this summer with a three-week 'AI in manufacturing' Maymester course followed by internships at companies.