4 technologically-advanced universities tackling cybersecurity

15 Nov 2018

With the rise of digital gadgets, talking machines and computerised systems, universities around the world have curated courses that will help students combat the challenges of cybersecurity.

By producing captivating, content-rich degrees laced with forward-thinking theories and practical tech-based methods, universities are helping learners take matters into their own hands and steer their knowledge towards the fight against cybercrime.

From the viewpoint of Tech Wire Asia (TWA), cybersecurity is an important issue that must be treated with precision and expertise.

As TWA explains, “With advancements like the internet of things and artificial intelligence (AI), the number of vulnerabilities has increased exponentially. A bigger challenge is that tools like big data analytics and AI can be used by hackers just as effectively as they can be used by cybersecurity professionals.”

By interviewing Alagu Karuppiah, Head of Information Technology & Digital Products at the Diners Club Singapore, TWA uncovered many factors that 21^st-century cybersecurity professionals must take into consideration.

As Karuppiah explains, “There’s a lot of things that keeps cybersecurity practitioners up at night. From the lack of cybersecurity talent in the market to the spread of connected devices, from the strengthening of various groups of hackers to having to deal with humans – who’re often the weakest link in our cybersecurity efforts, there’s a lot of factors that the industry is concerned about.”

To conquer the looming threats of cybercrime and calm the fears of digital users, universities are equipping students with an academic and experiential curriculum that will inspire learners to create innovative solutions to cyber threats.

By preparing both current and future generations for what’s to come, universities aren’t just advancing student minds but also advancing the capabilities of their faculties and academic initiatives.

As such, establishing a stable framework for a technology-enabled future is essential. Not just for students, but for the well-being of the planet.

Here are 4 technologically-advanced universities helping us combat the challenges of cybersecurity…

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE – FRANCE

As the best small university in France, the second-best in the world according to Times Higher Education 2018, and the best French Grandes Écoles in Science and Technology (when all French rankings are combined from L’Usine Nouvelle and L’Étudiant), École Polytechnique has secured all-round academic excellence.

In the Department of Computer Science, the university unites ambitious, innovative students with courses that help combat cybercrime and develop solutions for cases of digital disruption.

In the Cybersecurity: Threats and Defenses Master’s Degree, you’ll learn through École Polytechnique’s trademark interdisciplinary approach and leave equipped with fundamental expertise in all aspects of cybersecurity.

This programme is perfect for any aspiring computer science practitioners and experts wishing to discover new forms of defence against cybercrime.

Upon graduation, you could secure a contemporary job role as a security architect, a secure systems developer, a penetration test expert, an information system security manager and more.

At the forefront of entrepreneurship in France, École Polytechnique also has an internationally-recognised innovation centre that supports student startups, an X-F4B prototyping space named the Fab Lab, tech transfer partnerships with prime industry players, an X-UP Accelerator for leaders of high-tech projects and an X-Tech Incubator dedicated to the development of innovative technological start-ups.

As a tech hub filled with extraordinary talent and one of the first French Grandes Écoles to accept international students, it’s time to power up your cyber career with École Polytechnique!

Admissions for the fall 2019 intake are open until December 15^th, apply here!

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, LEIDEN UNIVERSITY – NETHERLANDS

Through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), this university has evolved into a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research and education in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI).

Bringing both the old and new generations of learners together through Science Family Days, Leiden has created a secure and diverse sphere where innovation can grow and forward-thinking ideas can flourish.

Source: Leiden University

An inclusive approach to education sets Leiden apart from the rest. Instead of limiting lectures and new-found theories to the confines of campus, Leiden unleashes it into the public realm with family days and discovery lectures.

In relation to cybersecurity, Leiden works hard to ensure that research is a priority and cybercrime is combatted. For instance, the cybersecurity research project aims to analyse how the subject alters the role and responsibilities of governments and impacts the use and application of digital forensics.

Those interested in this project are often students of the MSc Cyber Security degree at Leiden. As a dynamic programme that integrates key modules such as cyber forensics, cyber terrorism, cyber crisis communication, big data and law enforcement, it’s an academic force to be reckoned with!

With such a high-profile programme portfolio, it’s no surprise that many international students are open to applying to Leiden’s cyber courses.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK – UK

If you’re looking for an exceptional student experience that offers immersion in the world of computer science, look no further than the University of Warwick.

Supported by the Department of Computer Science, international learners leave this campus with an impressive degree in cyber-based subjects and become an integral part of the Warwick student network.

To support this claim, Warwick Computer Science Graduate, Rayhaan Jaufeerally explains that, “Everyone at Warwick made arriving from Singapore really smooth. The Department felt like home on my first day. Right now, I’m looking forward to working at Google and bringing that experience back to my projects at Warwick next year.”

With Computer Science degree course accreditation from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and European accrediting body EQANIE, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes here are incredibly high calibre.

In this department, you’ll be exposed to an extensive array of courses and pathways. For example, you could stick with the traditional Computer Science degree or switch over to Computer Systems Engineering, Computer and Management Sciences, Computer Science with Business Studies (from October 2019), Computer and Business Studies or Discrete Mathematics.

Additionally, the university prides itself on its global engagement efforts and has prestigious partnerships with many internationally-renowned tech companies, overseas universities and research institutes.

With its popular learning culture, top-notch programmes and revolutionary research projects, graduates from Warwick are actively sought by potential employers.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, ELECTRICAL AND SPACE ENGINEERING, LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY- SWEDEN

Driven by high-tech innovation and advanced concepts of computer science, learners at the Luleå University of Technology in Sweden are programmed to succeed.

With Master programmes in Computer Science and Engineering, Space Engineering and Physics and Electrical Engineering, plus additional degrees in Computer Engineering, Systems Sciences and Digital Service Innovation, Luleå students can align their passions with the relevant subject.

From day one, this leading technical university will equip you with the opportunities and tools needed to construct a sustainable future for yourself. By enhancing Intelligent Industrial Processes and enabling the development of new ICT-based knowledge, Luleå is at the forefront of technological transformation.

One programme that sparks student interest is the Master in Information Security at the Luleå University of Technology.

Known to inspire its applicants to actively search for knowledge, this degree will encourage you to partake in critical analysis, problem-solving, safeguarding organisational knowledge and the dissection of information systems. You’ll graduate with a broad socio-technical competence in information security together with expert knowledge in your field.

Applications for on-campus or distance learning Master programmes in Information Security are now open. So, if you want to develop into a high-potential leader of tech at Luleå, click here for further information.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International