Cyber Security Engineering

Major: Cybersecurity Engineering (Siber Güvenlik Mühendisliği)

Program Overview

A technical, defense-focused program that trains professionals to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Combines computer science, cryptography, risk management, and ethical hacking to prepare graduates for careers in government agencies, financial institutions, tech companies, and consulting firms in Turkey and globally.

Key Learning Objectives

• Master network security and architecture.
• Learn cryptography and secure communication.
• Gain expertise in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.
• Develop skills in incident response and digital forensics.
• Understand secure software development and DevSecOps.
• Explore risk management and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR).
• Apply ethical hacking and threat intelligence techniques.

Core Courses

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
   • Overview of cyber threats, attack vectors, and defense strategies.
2. Network Security
   • Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and network monitoring.
3. Cryptography
   • Symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, and digital signatures.
4. Operating System Security
   • Hardening Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.
5. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
   • Tools: Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark.
6. Secure Software Development
   • Secure coding practices (OWASP Top 10), static/dynamic analysis.
7. Incident Response and Digital Forensics
   • Investigating breaches, malware analysis, and evidence preservation.
8. Risk Management and Compliance
   • Frameworks: ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, and Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK).
9. Ethical Hacking
   • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) methodologies and red teaming.
10. Cloud and IoT Security
    • Securing AWS, Azure, GCP, and IoT devices.
11. Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering
    • Analyzing malicious code and binary exploitation.
12. DevSecOps and Secure CI/CD
    • Integrating security into DevOps pipelines.
13. Practicum in Cybersecurity
    • Internships, capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, or industry projects.
14. Capstone Project
    • Design a security solution, conduct a penetration test, or develop a threat intelligence report.

Assessment Methods

• Hands-on labs (e.g., setting up firewalls, conducting penetration tests)
• Case studies on cyber incidents and risk assessments
• Coding assignments (e.g., secure programming, cryptography)
• CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions and simulations
• Capstone project presentations

Tools & Resources

• Software: Wireshark, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Kali Linux, Splunk
• Programming Languages: Python, C/C++, Bash, PowerShell
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
• Frameworks: OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001
• Books:
  • The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook by Dafydd Stuttard
  • Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
  • Cryptography I by Dan Boneh (Stanford University)

Prerequisites

• Strong foundation in computer science, networking, or programming.
• Interest in problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical hacking.

Program Duration

• 4 years (bachelor’s) or 1–2 years (master’s), including labs and internships.

Certifications (Optional/Required)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Career Paths

• Cybersecurity Analyst (SOC teams, corporations)
• Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker (consulting firms, bug bounty programs)
• Incident Responder (government agencies, CERT teams)
• Security Architect (enterprise security design)
• Malware Analyst (antivirus companies, threat intelligence firms)
• DevSecOps Engineer (tech companies, startups)
• Compliance Officer (financial institutions, healthcare)
• Digital Forensics Investigator (law enforcement, private firms)
• Security Consultant (freelance, consulting agencies)
• Threat Intelligence Analyst (cybersecurity firms, government)

Why This Major?

Turkey’s growing digital infrastructure, increasing cyber threats, and national cybersecurity strategies create high demand for cybersecurity engineers. This program provides hands-on training in defensive and offensive security, risk management, and compliance, preparing graduates for high-impact careers in protecting critical systems and data. Ideal for those passionate about technology, problem-solving, and safeguarding the digital world.