UNG computer science faculty published in cyber security

University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Tamirat Abegaz, assistant professor of computer science, and Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education (CCOE), have published a chapter in the upcoming textbook, "Computer and Network Security Essentials."

The chapter, "Securing the Internet of Things: Best Practices for Deploying IoT Devices,"  establishes a framework for safely deploying devices from security cameras to Google Home and Amazon Alexa in smart homes and in automated industrial and office building environments.

"We've all seen inexpensive doorbell web cams, Internet-enabled thermostats, smart speakers, and even connected kitchen appliances," Payne said, "but users often don't consider the security risks of installing always-on, always-listening devices into their home or office. These small devices come with significant ethical, legal and privacy concerns."

The chapter was peer-reviewed by an editorial board of research experts in cybersecurity — according to Abegaz, research and peer-reviewed publications are critical in maintaining and advancing UNG's NCSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) status for the CCOE as well as the many computer science programs.