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Israel Dedicates Two Cyber Grants for BGU

Israel Dedicates Two Cyber Grants for BGU

March 14, 2019

Homeland & Cyber Security

Israel’s President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin will dedicate two of 12 annual presidential research grants to doctoral candidates in the field of cyber security, the president announced on March 10 during a visit to BGU’s National Cyber Security Research Center (Cyber@BGU) at the Ben-Gurion Advanced Technologies Park, adjacent to the University’s Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva. Each Presidential Grant for Scientific Excellence and Innovation is worth NIS 150,000 (about $42,000).

As part of his visit to BGU, President Rivlin toured the Cyber Security Research Center and Deutsche Telekom Innovation Labs@BGU, where he was shown how relatively easy it is to manipulate a simple drone and gather, encrypt and transfer information. The demonstration was operated by BGU doctoral candidate Ben Nassi.

Cyber demonstration by Ben Nassi

“I am astounded, yet again, by the abilities of our young people. Your skills and determination not only defend our country, but they are a terrific source of pride for us around the world,” said President Rivlin. “For all this, we owe you a terrific debt of gratitude.”

After the demonstration, Prof. Yuval Elovici, director of Cyber@BGU, spoke about how BGU’s research is helping assist Israel’s defense and homeland security. He also spoke about how BGU’s innovative ecosystem is helping the city of Beer-Sheva, boosting the local economy and bringing more jobs to the Negev through numerous startups.

Left to right: Beer-Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovitch; Israel President Reuven Rivlin; BGU President Prof. Danny Chamovitz

One of the companies, Morphisec, uses academic research conducted at BGU to identify and neutralize unknown threats and advanced, evasive cyber attacks at the very first stages.

Also accompanying President Rivlin on the tour were Beer-Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovitch; BGU’s President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz; Prof. Dan Blumberg, BGU’s vice president for regional development; and Yigal Unna, head of the National Cyber Directorate.