St Andrews Expert To Speak At Cyber Security Christmas Lectures

Chris Jefferson is a researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms at the University of St Andrews, and he'll show how the internet tries to keep your emails and social media messages safe and secret.

The next generation of Scottish tech stars will have the chance to learn about cyber security and hacking prevention this Christmas through a series of lectures. 

Over 2000 secondary school pupils from across Scotland are lined up to attend the annual Cyber Security Christmas Lectures, hosted by five top universities. The organisers aim to inspire more young people to consider a career in cybersecurity and Scotland’s wider digital technologies sector.

Speakers include experts from academia, industry, and Police Scotland, covering three areas that make up the National Progression Award in Cyber Security: digital forensics, ethical hacking, and data security. Lectures will discuss topics as diverse as the concept of social engineering and the psychology of cyber security.

Programme highlights include Matt Summers of NCC Group, a professional hacker who has worked on behalf of the UK government and private companies, looking at the ways students can break into cyber security; and Chris Jefferson, researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms at the University of St Andrews, who will show how the internet tries to keep your emails and social media messages safe and secret, and what happens when things go wrong.

Martin Beaton, Cyber Security Network Integrator for Scottish Enterprise/PwC and one of the organisers of the series, explained that while the lectures are a fun way to end the Christmas term, they also have a serious message.

He said: “Scotland is taking a global lead in protecting and educating about cyber security but demand for skilled people is outstripping supply. The sector offers many exciting opportunities and there are plenty of well-paid and fulfilling jobs but we need to raise awareness of the routes in.

“It’s not always easy for young people and their parents to visualise what a career in the digital world will actually involve so these lectures play an important role in demystifying the industry as well as sparking ideas. They also offer the chance to experience a day in the life of a university student and meet other people with similar interests.”