Israeli College Trains Cybersecurity Professionals for High-Tech Industry

Hadas Tamam Ben Avraham, Deputy Dean and head of the Cyber Risk Management Research Institute at Ono Academic College, discussed the institution's specialized cyber studies programs, some of which are exclusively offered there. She emphasized the college's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry needs in the cybersecurity field.

"Ono Academic College has taken the field of development and cyber as something very central within its study programs," Ben Avraham stated. "And I am proud to say that we are the leading institution in these fields, both in the range of training we offer and in our ability to bring anyone from any background who wishes to enter this field through our various degrees."

She explained that the curriculum is designed to meet industry demands, with input from a committee of industry professionals who review and provide feedback on the content. "We train for everything the industry is talking about and looking for these people," she said. "In some of our activities, we are accompanied by the industry, through a committee that comes and looks at the content and gives its comments based on experience."

Ben Avraham highlighted the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, driven by an increase in cyber incidents and the need for organizations to develop secure products. "There are more and more cyber crises, more need within the organizations themselves to build products securely, and there are no people who know how to do it, and we train our students precisely for this," she noted.

The training includes a practical component, with students building a portfolio by the end of their second year. An employment unit connected to the industry also assists students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Ben Avraham also encouraged students from the Religious Zionist community to join the college, highlighting its supportive environment that allows students to maintain their religious and community identity while pursuing higher education and career opportunities.