Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Degree course on how to beat computer hackers
A DEGREE course designed to beat computer hackers is being offered at Abertay University.
The university is offering a postgraduate degree that sees students develop “the skills and mindset’’ necessary to counter hackers.
The prestigious new certification for the MSc ethical hacking and cyber security course was announced at Abertay Students’ Association Ethical Hacking Society’s annual Securi-Tay information security conference.
Run entirely by students from the society, with help from the students’ association, Securi-Tay is now in its seventh year and attracts about 350 cyber security industry delegates from around the world.
A spokesman said: “Topics explored within the degree include penetration testing, web hacking, exploit development, digital forensics, network security and information security management.
Dr Natalie Coull, head of the Division of Cyber Security at Abertay, said the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) had “a very rigorous process for ensuring that its high standards of quality provision are met”.
She added: “I’m delighted this degree has gained such prestigious certification.
“The MSc ethical hacking and cyber security degree teaches an offensive approach to cyber security, providing detailed knowledge of electronic attacks and how to defend against the methods used to gain access to and exploit a system.
“Abertay is the only university in the UK to offer a Master’s programme in ethical hacking.”
Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for cyber skills and growth, said: “We are delighted that Abertay’s MSc has been provisionally certified, because it offers another option for students seeking excellent quality cyber security education.”