CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN INFORMATION AND CYBER SECURITY

Introduction

Information and in particular cyber security has a multi-disciplinary nature and focus as its basis. The proliferation of the Internet and related online services has influenced individuals, organizations, the private and public sectors in its entirety. From national critical infrastructures, the banking sector, organizational business processes and strategies to individual communication, recreation, commerce, etc. have all grown dependent on the associated online services. The related security aspects are well founded on disciplines like; information technology, education, psychology, law, etc. Therefore, the security of information and cyber related services are truly multi-disciplinary in nature. CRICS will function in close relationship with the Nelson Mandela University’s Institutional Research Theme called “Cyber Citizenship’. CRICS aims to focus primarily on the security aspects related to Cyber Citizenship.

The general objective of CRICS will be to address all types of activities that can assist in enhancing information and cyber security in general. Obviously one of the main goals will be very academic and research inclined. Postgraduate research and research papers as outputs will play an important role. Along with this, activities to assist and enhance information and cyber security in the community, the government, corporates, etc. will take place. A number of projects are already taking place like; assisting schools to educate children, organizations to raise security awareness, policy proposals to governmental departments, etc. Thus, the goal of CRICS is to ensure all of these activities are taking place from one coordinating body, namely CRICS.

The School of ICT has got a long and very good record and history with security related research and activities. Since the early 1990s this research focus has been very active, has grown consistently and is currently producing and conducting a lot of research related outputs and industry and community related projects. Many well qualified staff and students are active in these fields along with a number if industry and community related projects. Currently six staff members with PhDs are active in this area, more than 200 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers stemmed from this group and currently 15+ post-graduate students are actively conducting research in this area. This emphasises the capacity, experience and solid base from where CRICS is operating.

Information and cyber security has always been a strategic focus area of our faculty and remain to be so. Further, CRICS aims to be active in addressing national vulnerabilities and priorities in this regard.

 

Vision 

To be a dynamic research entity recognised for its leadership in the generation of cutting-edge knowledge addressing the human aspects of information and cyber security.

Mission

To offer a range of quality research opportunities that addresses the human aspects of information and cyber security in a regional, national and global context.
We shall achieve our vision and mission by:
  • engaging with regional schools, communities, local government and industry,
  • participating in national information and cyber security initiatives and forums and
  • collaborating and participating with global research entities and professional bodies.