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University of North Georgia (ÖйúPÕ¾) 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 ÖйúPÕ¾ 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 ÖйúPÕ¾'s Institute for Cyber Operations

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.

ÖйúPÕ¾ 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.