Cyberbit Range for Computer Science Programs

Ariel University Case Study

The Need for Hands-On Academic Computer Science Programs

STEM education is evolving. With the increased demand for qualified graduates in technology and engineering roles, students expect more from their academic degree programs, while educators are more focused than ever on preparing STEM students for their careers. This evolution calls for an increasingly hands-on approach in computer science, IT, and engineering programs. Ariel University in Israel is one of the first higher education institutions to integrate hands-on cyber range sessions into their computer science and cybersecurity degree programs, starting with undergraduate courses. This approach significantly impacted the program’s success, quality and appeal. Ariel University chose to use Cyberbit Range to run the programs.

About Cyberbit Range

Cyberbit Range is a simulation platform, originally developed for training blue and red cybersecurity teams in military organizations. Since its launch in 2013 Cyberbit Range has become the world leading simulation platform for hands-on academic degree programs in computer science and cybersecurity. In addition to Ariel University the platform is used by Regent University, Miami Dade College, Metropolitan State University, University of Maine, and additional education institutions worldwide.

Computer Science and Cybersecurity Curriculum Leveraging Cyberbit Range

Networking basics

Databases

Protocols

Network security

Secure coding

Understanding defender and attacker

Wireless and cellular

Big data and machine learning in cybersecurity

About Ariel UniversityAriel University is Israel’s newest and fastest growing research university, striving for academic excellence and encouraging social advocacy. Over 15,000 Israeli and international students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. It is a leading research institution in the fields of Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Science and Humanities, Architecture, Business Administration.

Ariel University is at the forefront of innovation, giving their students access to some of the most effective and modern teaching and learning approaches that better prepare students for real-world careers. The university was the first in the nation to use a cyber range to support computer science and cybersecurity degree programs and integrated the Cyberbit Range into the curriculum to provide hands-on practice, in areas ranging from networking to secure development.

Ariel University continues to push the envelope and challenges traditional teaching by changing the way classes are taught based upon how students learn most effectively. It has been selected by Israel's National Cyber Agency (similar to the NSA) to become a national cyber academic center. Ariel also runs bootcamps to promote the program to high school students.

The Ariel University has set itself the goal of leading the cyber subject in academia by developing a dedicated curriculum and establishing the Cyber Technologies Center. The Center focuses on research and application activities and collaborates with government, business, public sector, and scientific and research institutes in Israel and worldwide. As part of their unique cyber studies in Israel students learn, for example, the principles of protecting wireless and mobile networks, cryptology, cybersecurity, pattern recognition and conduct advanced, hands-on workshops.

Ariel University Cybersecurity Center

Use CasesIntroductory Networking and Computer Science CoursesAriel University uses Cyberbit Range in its core undergraduate degree in computer science and in its cybersecurity minor. The Range is used throughout networking courses enabling students to explore network components over a live network, configure components such as SQL databases, servers and routers using hands-on practice rather than theoretical study. A key benefit of using the Cyberbit Range vs. physical hardware or cloud components is the ability to rapidly configure, launch and reset preconfigured networks on the fly with no IT involvement. Cyberbit Range is easy to use, flexible and scalable, addressing a wide variety of students.

Secure Development – Understanding the Attacker’s SideAriel University computer science students learn the principles of secure coding as part of their core curriculum. The University has upgraded its secure coding course to include Cyber Range sessions, where students experience the attacker’s side. For example:

ResearchCyberbit Range is utilized for research in the computer science department, primarily around cybersecurity related topics. A key example is in ethical hacking research involving the development of penetration testing tools. These tools are then tested within the cyber range environment. The University’s advantage in using Cyberbit Range for this research is in rapidly configuring and resetting all network components to their initial state after having been compromised. In addition, Ariel conducts joint research with academic institutions around the world based on the cyber range.

Success and Return on InvestmentAriel University has seen a substantial increase in student enrollment and engagement in the computer science program. Students testify that the ability to see, feel, and experience the theoretical topics for the first time is a substantial motivator to enroll in the academic program. Students have further demonstrated mastery of skills in a final, practical exam administered on the Cyberbit Range.

while learning how to develop software to be resilient to SQL injection, students will experience a simulated SQL injection attack run in the Cyberbit Range. Students testify that by experiencing real-life attacks they have significantly improved their understanding of secure development.

Key Stats Reported

15% increase in enrollment year over year

Over 80% retention rates

100% graduate employability

Cyberbit provides a consolidated detection and response platform that protects an organization’s entire attack surface across IT, OT and IoT networks. Cyberbit products have been forged in the toughest environments on the globe and include: behavioral threat detection, incident response automation and orchestration, ICS/SCADA security, and the world’s leading cyber range. Since founded in mid-2015 Cyberbit’s products were rapidly adopted by enterprises, governments, academic institutions and MSSPs around the world. Cyberbit is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT) and has offices in Israel, the US, Europe, and Asia.

ABOUT CYBERBIT™

PROPRIETARY INFORMATIONThe information in is proprietary and includes trade secrets of Cyberbit Ltd. It shall not be utilized other than for the purpose for which it has been provided.

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