The Istanbul Transparency Center was opened at Boğaziçi University

Boğaziçi University and the cybersecurity company Kaspersky opened the Istanbul Transparency Center in cooperation. Kaspersky will conduct practical training seminars at the center's laboratory. The opening of the Istanbul Transparency Center took place at the 12th Boğaziçi Cyber Security Summit with the participation of Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci, Department Head of Management Information Systems Prof. Dr. Bilgin Metin and Kaspersky founder and CEO Eugene Kaspersky.
Photos by Osman Yalçın

As part of the cooperation protocol between Boğaziçi University and Kaspersky Lab, the center will serve as a facility where the company's partners, customers, and cybersecurity regulators can review the source code of all Kaspersky Lab products, software updates, and threat detection rules. Visitors will be able to view the results of independent audits of the company's solutions and access the list of software components used in Kaspersky solutions.

In addition, a Transparency Laboratory will be created, which will focus on training students on methods and techniques for evaluating the quality and reliability of solutions in the supply chain. The laboratory's activities will also prioritize the development of cyber threat detection skills. The Transparency Laboratory will consist of hands-on training seminars offered by Kaspersky Lab both on-site and online.

“WE AIM TO BE A GAME CHANGER”

Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci emphasized the increasing national and international cooperation, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence, data science and cyber security, with the recently developed projects. Rector Prof. Dr. İnci stated that the Transparency Laboratory to be established in cooperation with Kaspersky will contribute to students who aspire to progress in this field and said, "This agreement holds immense value within the framework of our national technology initiative, as it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing companies that invest in our country and foster technology transfer, rather than simply viewing our nation as a technology market. Often, global cybersecurity companies merely perceive our country as a market for their products, without considering investing in its development. However, the goodwill agreement with Kaspersky sets a pioneering example by showcasing their commitment to investing in our country. Through this collaboration, our university's Technology Transfer Office and Kaspersky will establish a joint laboratory that will provide our young talents with the opportunity to conduct research in cybersecurity. This initiative will not only enhance their proficiency in the field but also contribute to the emergence of new domestic cybersecurity initiatives. The selection of our university for this collaboration is a testament to our leadership position in the field of cybersecurity. Since my tenure as Rector began in 2021, we have made significant strides in recruiting esteemed scientists who have earned their doctorates from renowned global universities, particularly in technological fields. Moreover, we have established the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute, further solidifying our commitment to technological advancement. Additionally, we have continuously nurtured young talents in the field of cybersecurity through initiatives like our regular cybersecurity camps. With our vision of industry-university collaboration, we aim to be a game-changer rather than a game follower, sustaining our increasing success in the academic world.”

“WE STRENGTHEN OUR COOPERATION WITH BOĞAZIÇI UNIVERSITY”

Eugene Kaspersky, the founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, emphasized the importance of the cooperation with Türkiye and Turkish universities and said:

"Our professional and business ties with Türkiye have strengthened today. As the next step in enhancing our long-standing cooperation, we are opening the Transparency Center in Istanbul and solidifying our partnership with Boğaziçi University. Türkiye continues to lead the digitization journey across the META region. We are honored to strengthen our expertise and knowledge sharing with local organizations to ensure a smooth digital journey."

Highlighting the pioneering nature of the 12th Boğaziçi Cyber Security Summit organized by the Department of Management Information Systems and the Director of Boğaziçi University Management Information Systems Cyber Security Center (BÜSİBER), Prof. Dr. Bilgin Metin expressed their commitment to support the cooperation established in the field of cyber security.