Dr. Mert Özarar, HAVELSAN Cyber Security Director, was the guest of the Cyber Security event organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Özarar emphasized the importance of work done in the field of cyber security, stating: “One of the most important steps taken in the field of cyber security is the Turkey Cyber Security Cluster project. The project, formed by 192 companies coming together, is supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries. HAVELSAN is also part of this project. For our country to achieve the position it deserves in cyber security, we need initiatives and non-governmental organizations like this.”
“Those who want to pursue a career in cyber security must be passionate”
Özarar, emphasizing the importance of specializing and focusing in the field of cyber security, said: “Cyber security is not a field where you can learn and complete your education by studying for a single exam, like other sciences. Since cyber security is a constantly changing and evolving field, you need to follow the agenda and new developments at all times. It is necessary to have knowledge about next-generation mobile, from artificial intelligence to big data, from fast communication technologies to software technologies. This can only achieve its purpose when done with true passion. One piece of advice I would give to friends who want to pursue a career in this field is; if you truly want to do this job in the best way possible, you need to be passionate. Passion is indispensable.’”
“We offer consulting services”
Özarar stated that training programs are provided at the Cyber Security Academy to various institutions and organizations, both domestically and internationally, to establish infrastructure: “‘Another branch of this field is consulting services. We also perform threat analysis, source code analysis, and both static and dynamic code analysis for software. We also provide consulting and training services in many places. For institutions, on-site personnel support, information security, and management system consulting are provided. Training is also provided in terms of architectural scope.’”
“Turkey Cyber Security Cluster is an Important Project”
Özarar, referring to HAVELSAN's content and activities, said: “Quite large projects are being undertaken by HAVELSAN. For example, a project was initiated to determine and raise the cyber maturity level for use by the Naval Command. The Turkey Cyber Security Cluster emerged as a project supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries, bringing together 192 companies in this field. HAVELSAN is also part of this project. For our country to achieve the position it deserves in cyber matters, we need initiatives and non-governmental organizations like this.”
‘’Exercises are now conducted not in the field, but with cyber simulation’’
Özarar stated that with the development of technology, the content of concepts has changed and new concepts have emerged: ‘‘Now, even exercises are conducted not in the field, but with cyber simulation. These exercises, conducted like playing games, need to be implemented. HAVELSAN ranks 10th in the world for cyber simulation. The National Combat Aircraft will emerge from the hangar in 2023, fly in 2029, and will be a rival to the F22. One of Turkey's most important priorities in combat aircraft is cyber security.’’’