Cyber Security researchers consider strategies at LJMU event
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) brought together some of the key Cyber Security researchers in the UK to a recent event at the LJMU School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
The Cyber Security Projects event saw LJMU, the HEA, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Newcastle College, Birmingham City University, Edge Hill University and companies such as XyoneCyberSecurity working alongside Undergraduate and Masters Computer Security students.
They shared ideas in how to tackle Cyber Security issues, including the new VIBRANT project which will develop learning and teaching in the area of cyber security at LJMU’s PROTECT Research Centre following £40,000 of funding from the HEA.
Karen Fraser, Consultant in Academic Practice (Innovative Pedagogies) at the HEA said:
"The HEA were delighted that LJMU hosted the first of the Cyber Security Project meetings. We have provided grants for innovative proposals from four institutions in partnership with industry to improve cyber security teaching and learning and these four excellent projects aim to address the shortage of cyber security skills in our graduates. If the UK is to be equipped to respond to cyber threats, and the cyber security sector is to grow, we need to strengthen the pipeline of cyber talent and help prepare students for entry-level security career opportunities. This workshop is a very positive step towards addressing these issues."
Dr Bob Askwith, co-investigator on the VIBRANT project and Subject Leader for Computer Security said:
"We heard some very interesting ideas from the other project teams, and it was obvious the different projects complement each other. We explored ways to make use of each other’s results to widen the impact of the research. Tackling the skills gap in security is a key part of the UK Government’s Cyber Security Strategy and with our HEA funded project we will strengthen our contribution as a leading UK university for teaching and learning in this field."
Computer Security BSc (Hons) student Phillip Kendrick said:
"I think the HEA project sounds like an exciting opportunity to learn through using real world practical scenarios. Listening to the project ideas and meeting computer security businesses was very interesting."
Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma'a, Dean Faculty of Technology and Environment (pictured) who opened the event, said:
"This was an important event in looking at how we address the shortage of cyber security skills and future proof the country’s IT sector, making it more resilient to possible cyber-attacks. We are delighted to be working with the HEA, universities across the region, Cyber Security businesses and involving our Computer Security students. ”
The PROTECT Research Centre provides a range of expertise, solutions, and services that target industries working in the area of critical infrastructures. VIBRANT will develop a platform for simulating real-world security situations and problems, to enhance the practice side of existing teaching at the Centre which is based at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences .
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