Students learn about cyber security from Kaspersky Lab’s industry experts

Students from the University of Plymouth have been given the chance to learn about the latest global developments in cyber security from leading industry experts. 

A day of events, coordinated by lecturers and senior officials at Kaspersky Lab, featured a combination of interactive sessions, talks and networking opportunities.

Students from the BSc (Hons) Computer Science, BSc (Hons) Computer and Information Security, BSc (Hons) Computing and Games Development, and BSc (Hons) Computing programmes were given a talk by Ivan Kwiatkowski, Senior Security Researcher in the company’s Global Research and Analysis Team, about the current and future cyber security landscape.

This was followed by a Kaspersky Lab interactive protection simulation (KIPS) training session, which involves a group-based scenario game that showcases the cyber threats and their impacts based on how people react.

The first event of its kind, the day was designed to complement the students’ degree programmes – which includes modules focused on cyber security – with the chance to work directly with industry experts as part of their studies.

It also built on the existing relationship between the University and Kaspersky Lab with the company’s founder, Eugene Kaspersky, being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University in 2012, and a number of research and teaching collaborations taking place since.

Dr Maria Papadaki, Associate Professor of Cyber Security, said:

“It is great for our students to meet and learn from industry leading experts in a company at the global forefront of cyber security. Kaspersky Academy is a valued academic partner that is committed to educating the next generation of IT professionals. Learning about the evolving cyber threats landscape in a fun and interactive environment is a fantastic opportunity for our students.”

Denis Barinov, Head of Academic Affairs at Kaspersky Lab, added:

“We’re very glad that our collaboration with the University of Plymouth is constantly developing. We believe that increasing cyber security awareness and contributing to the development of an international community of talented students and instructors who are passionate about cyber security is key to successfully resolving and preventing cyber threats all around the globe.”