Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Founder and Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin International University College, Ghana has announced the admission and commencement of courses in August 2024 in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics to advance Ghana’s Digital Agenda.
University officials say vulnerabilities to cybercrimes and society’s growing reliance on digital devices and technologies mean Ghana can leave no stone unturned in its efforts to digitize the economy and other aspects of life. Therefore, acquiring cyber security and digital forensics skills is essential.
Official announcements are expected on Tuesday, July 9, however, an exclusive tour of the University of Wisconsin facility and the readiness to launch the program, benefited by a select number of journalists on Friday, revealed that everything is ready for takeoff, with digital forensics labs, AI and IT all in place.
Post-graduate courses
Wisconsin’s founder and chancellor, Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, said the bold move to strengthen Ghana’s digital infrastructure and combat growing cybercrime, comes as a suite of advanced postgraduate programs designed to prepare the next generation of cyber security professionals, with the initiative to align with Ghana. continuous digitization efforts to transform both government and private sector processes;
University of Wisconsin introduces three master’s programs: a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics and a Master’s in Informatics. These programs, according to the university, are designed to address the complexities and vulnerabilities that accompany digital developments.
The MSc in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics aims to equip students with the necessary skills to effectively combat cyber threats, while the MSc in IT focuses on providing a comprehensive education in IT infrastructure and management.
State-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on training
To support these programs, the University of Wisconsin has established four state-of-the-art laboratories:
- Digital Forensics Lab Training: Equipped with 32 workstations, this lab provides hands-on training in various aspects of digital forensics, including drone forensics, IoT forensics, email forensics, and mobile forensics. This workshop addresses a critical gap in Ghana’s educational landscape where hands-on cyber security training has been lacking.
- Commercial Grade Digital Forensics Lab: Designed to meet commercial standards, this lab exposes students to the tools, technologies, and standard operating procedures they will encounter in professional environments. Run by lab directors, it simulates a real-world environment to prepare students for their future careers.
- AI Lab: Focused on developing artificial intelligence software and integrating it into cybersecurity tools, this lab ensures students are proficient in using cutting-edge technology to combat cyber threats. AI-based tools are increasingly important in modern cyber security, making this workshop an integral part of the training program.
- IT Lab: This lab integrates cyber security tools to deliver a comprehensive education in IT infrastructure management and security, supporting the wider curriculum and equipping students with essential skills to meet the challenges of digitalisation.
Commitment to Excellence
Officials from the University of Wisconsin and affiliated institutions who participated in the facility tour confirmed that the digital forensics labs are among the best in Ghana and the greater West African sub-region, demonstrating the university’s commitment to providing world-class facilities and training.
The curriculum also includes a course on cyber law, which educates students on the legal and ethical standards governing cyberspace in Ghana, with students required to register with the Cyber Security Authority to obtain the appropriate licenses to ensure they are fully prepared for professional practice.
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