Dr. Ash Mady, head of the computer science and information systems department in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at the University of North Georgia (UNG), has strong opinions about the importance of cybersecurity.
Originally from Egypt, Mady came to the United States to pursue higher education. He found himself at UNG as a computer science major and cultivated a deep connection with the institution.
"The University of North Georgia is a wonderful place to belong as a student, faculty or staff," he said. "UNG's environment has this unique balance that supports military students as well as civilian students at the same time. With such a balanced environment that provides freedom balanced with discipline and respect, you get the best of the two worlds."
So, it was no surprise that after working in a technical account managerial position at Red Hat Inc., a Raleigh, North Carolina-based software company that provides open-source software products, Mady welcomed the opportunity to return to UNG to work.
He hopes one point in particular resonates with his students and those around him: the vital significance of cybersecurity.
"In today's age, security threats target every geographical location, every industry and even every person," Mady said. "No matter where you are, what you do, or who you are, you are subject to some kind of cybersecurity threat."
Two factors are important when addressing cybersecurity threats: knowledge and prevention. He emphasizes reminding yourself of the chance of cybersecurity threats. Mady also suggests simple preventative measures such as not writing passwords on sticky notes and leaving them in visible areas.
"Organizations must plan to protect critical information from outside intrusions as well as from insiders' malicious or accidental behavioral risks," he said. "Organizations, or even individuals, must have in place technical solutions such as intrusion detection, network monitoring systems, disaster recovery, and encryption. Also, there must be behavioral controls such as information security policies and security training and awareness programs."
Mady believes that UNG is leading the way in generating attention about cybersecurity. He compiled a new course package for a concentration in cybersecurity, which was available starting in fall 2018.
"UNG is taking a leading position and working hard to be part of the solution," he said. "Structuring the cybersecurity degree programs and the cybersecurity graduate certificate are practical and effective planned steps for UNG to be part of the solution, educating and graduating capable professionals and future leaders who are able to mitigate these cybersecurity threats."
But, cybersecurity is not all Mady focuses on. Technology, as a whole, can sometimes be an introvert's oasis. However, he strives to cultivate positive connections between human connection and applied theory with regard to computer science.
"The approach that I always take, in my previous leadership positions in industry or currently at UNG in the academic environment, I always focus on quality as well as the well-being of the people that I work with," he said. "I work on empowering them. I'm not in this position to limit creativity or force performance to be my way. I am here to enable people and be part of a true success story."
