Cyber Security (in Bulgarian)
Short presentation of the programme:
Relevance and uniqueness are the two main characteristics of the programme. It is relevant due to the knowledge gained and skills developed to deal with the latest security threats and challenges, such as cyber threats. It is also unique due to the combination of knowledge and skills at the brink of two extremely important areas of human existence, i.e. security and cutting-edge information technology. The programme meets the European training standards by offering interdisciplinary courses on a wide range of topics in areas such as Cyber Security Management, Design, Construction and Protection of Information Systems in the Private and Public Sector, Application of Information and Communication Technologies on Security Systems, etc.; stimulating students’ academic and individual work by the credit system assessment of their achievements, knowledge and skills; encouraging student participation in national and international projects, internships, seminars and conferences, which boost creativity, encourage teamwork, master research methods, share and disseminate the results achieved.
The training corresponds to the NBU mission to educate well-prepared, knowledgeable and skilful young professionals, capable of independently solving problems in their professional field. The professionals in cyberspace security are trained as a result of studying the foundations of Cyber Security Management, namely Risk Management, Scenario-Based Planning for Cyber Security Capabilities, The Human Factor in Cyber Security, Cyber Crime Countermeasures, and the following security domains: Information Security, Application Security, Internet Security, Network and Communication Security and Critical Information Infrastructure Systems Security.
The students acquire practical skills to apply modern methods and technologies in secure information systems projects development. The studies focus on business organisation level (firm, corporation) and state institution level (ministry, government), not excluding the levels of the individual, national and global security and international cooperation on Cyber Security issues. The scope includes the public and private sectors, as well as their interaction when elaborating and maintaining Cyber Security. In 2013, the Department of National and International Security developed and launched the Simulations in the Interest of Security project funded by the Central Strategic Development Fund at NBU. Within its framework, a computer network was built with Visual Battlespace 2 simulation software installed in the department's laboratory, providing students with an excellent opportunity to acquire work skills and put into practice the knowledge gained during the training. The programme got the highest accreditation mark in 9.1. National Security Professional Area by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency.
Practical training courses:
The programme provides placements and internships in business organisations, government institutions and research institutes where students have the opportunity to get familiar with cyber security building models and apply theoretical knowledge mastered when solving practical cases.
International mobility:
The programme provides an opportunity for international student mobility at the National Institute of Defense, Warsaw, Poland (National Defence University in Warsaw http://www.aon.edu.pl/en).
Graduate Student Competencies:
Graduates will have mastered knowledge of:
• the main aspects of cyber security management, methods, means and procedures for ensuring security in cyberspace;
• management systems, information and communication systems in the security sector and the protection of critical information infrastructure;
• design of secure information systems in cyberspace;
• management of IT projects in the public and private sector;
Graduates will have mastered skills in:
• developing and implementing modern solutions of protected information systems;
• applying decision-making approaches and developing procedures and techniques for security and protection of information resources;
• resource planning, risk assessment and capacity building in the security sector;
• using models and simulations to solve research and expert tasks in security.
Graduation:
Completion of studies takes place by defending a master’s dissertation or passing a state exam upon earning the required number of credits.
The graduation process complies with the NBU Standard for Educational and Qualification Degree Completion.
Occupation and possible positions:
Graduates pursue careers in both public administration and private sector, holding middle and senior management level positions which require knowledge of cyber security management, information security, computer and communication technologies and systems, management and participation in research and development activities for the design and development of specialised protected information systems and information security management systems, as well as in the field of classified information protection.
Department :
National and International Security