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Student group penetrates the depths of cyber security
12/08/2020
University of Wolverhampton Computer Science students got switched on to online learning during lockdown to penetrate the depths of cyber security.
The BCS Cyber Wolves group was set up in 2019 by students looking to extend their cyber security knowledge and practice beyond the curriculum. They meet regularly for sessions and organise talks and demonstrations from experienced practitioners.
With face-to-face events cancelled due to the pandemic, students were unable to work with the West Midlands Police Cyber Crime Unit as planned and hands-on sessions with experts were put on hold.
The student group arranged for two freelance penetration testing experts, Paul Smith and Alex Drabek, to run a special half-day session for them.
A penetration test, also known as a pen test, is a simulated cyber attack against your computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities.
Jordan Brown, Cyber Security degree first year student, said: “Lecturers in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science have been really supportive of us setting up student clubs and societies. They are a really great way of extending our knowledge and exploring course subject matter further and we didn’t want to miss out on learning so organised for two freelance specialists to give us a virtual talk, helping us to penetrate the depths of cyber security further.”
Dr Herb Daly, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University, said: “Unfortunately, the closure of the University Campus in March put an end to the plans of many student clubs and societies.
“Students had arranged to support the police at a competition for local schools but it was cancelled at the last minute and, because the Cyber Wolves are volunteers, we’d arranged a special hands-on session with penetration testing specialists as a reward which was also cancelled.
“Not to be deterred the students arranged a special on-line workshop to learn some in depth cyber security remotely. In a fast-paced subject like cyber security it’s really important that students have a vehicle to engage widely. We have been very impressed with how they’ve taken ownership of the group and are driving it forward to create their own tailored student experience. We look forward to more of this next year.”
Paul Smith said: “Penetration testing is a core skill for cyber practitioners. It exposes weakness in clients’ systems and helps them prepare for malicious attacks.
“We introduced some basic tools, set up some running services and encouraged the students to try different exploits. They did very well.”
Anyone applying for a course through Clearing can register their interest and arrange a phone call with the University on results day on Thursday 13th August or visit our next virtual Open Day on Saturday 15th August for more information. Alternatively call us on the Clearing Hotline on 01902 518585 or contact us through our Social Media channels:
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
ENDS
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
