Major: Cyber Security (Siber Güvenlik)
Program Overview:
This cutting-edge program prepares students to protect digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. With a focus on both offensive and defensive cybersecurity techniques, the program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, and incident response. Graduates will be equipped to tackle the growing challenges of cybersecurity in Turkey and globally, addressing the needs of industries, government agencies, and critical infrastructure.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management.
- Develop skills in securing networks, systems, and applications against cyber attacks.
- Learn ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Explore cryptography, data protection, and secure communication methods.
- Gain expertise in incident response, digital forensics, and cybersecurity governance.
- Apply legal and ethical principles in cybersecurity practices.
- Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Core Courses:
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- Overview of cybersecurity principles, threats, and the cybersecurity landscape.
- Network Security
- Techniques for securing networks, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Hands-on training in identifying vulnerabilities using tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark.
- Cryptography and Data Protection
- Principles of encryption, digital signatures, and secure data storage.
- Operating System Security
- Securing Windows, Linux, and other operating systems against cyber threats.
- Web and Application Security
- Techniques for securing web applications, APIs, and databases (e.g., SQL injection, XSS prevention).
- Incident Response and Digital Forensics
- Methods for detecting, responding to, and investigating cyber incidents.
- Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance
- Understanding cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST) and regulatory compliance.
- Cloud and IoT Security
- Securing cloud environments and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure
- Protecting essential services like energy, transportation, and healthcare systems.
- Practicum in Cyber Security
- Real-world experience through lab simulations, capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, or internships.
- Capstone Project
- Comprehensive project to design and implement a cybersecurity solution for a real-world scenario.
Assessment Methods:
- Network security configuration tasks
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing reports
- Cryptography and encryption projects
- Incident response simulations
- Case studies on real-world cyber attacks
- Practicum evaluations and capstone project presentations
Recommended Textbooks and Resources:
- Cybersecurity Essentials by Charles J. Brooks, Christopher Grow, and Philip Craig
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
- Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World by Charlie Kaufman, Radia Perlman, and Mike Speciner
- Applied Cryptography by Bruce Schneier
- The Web Application Hacker's Handbook by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of computer science, networking, and programming (e.g., Python, Bash). Suitable for students interested in cybersecurity, IT security, and ethical hacking.
Program Duration:
4 years for a bachelor’s degree, including coursework, lab work, and internships.
Certifications:
Graduates earn a degree in Cyber Security and can pursue globally recognized certifications such as:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Career Paths:
- Cybersecurity Analyst (monitoring and responding to security threats)
- Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester (identifying vulnerabilities in systems)
- Network Security Engineer (designing and maintaining secure networks)
- Incident Responder (managing and mitigating cyber incidents)
- Security Consultant (advising organizations on cybersecurity best practices)
- Digital Forensics Investigator (analyzing cybercrime evidence)
- Cloud Security Specialist (securing cloud-based systems and data)
Why This Major?
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with increasing demand for skilled professionals in Turkey and worldwide. This program prepares students to protect critical digital infrastructure, combat cybercrime, and contribute to national and global cybersecurity efforts.
