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There are many extra-curricular opportunities for students who are studying a cyber security degree course or are simply interested in cyber security as a topic. Some of such opportunities are provided by iCSS, and others are from external organisations. This page lists some of such opportunities.
Opportunities Provided by iCSS
Cyber Security Student Society
iCSS is helping University of Kent taught students to set up a Cyber Security Student Society. If you are interested, please email cyber-student-society-request@kent.ac.uk to join a mailing list that was set up for discussing this.
iCSS cyber-students mailing list
iCSS regularly sends information about student-facing events and activities, including iCSS seminars that our students may be interested, via a cyber-students mailing list. Email cyber-students-request@kent.ac.uk to subscribe to the mailing list.
Opportunities Supported by iCSS and/or Provided by iCSS Partners
A Career in Cyber Security: How to break in and get ahead – 22 February, 5pm via Teams
Steve Kinghan is a retired military intelligence officer, with experience of offensive cyber operations at the Government level. Since leaving the Public Sector in 2021, Steve has fulfilled the role of Head of Cyber Operations at Hiscox Insurance, a market leading niche insurer with a global footprint.
Steve is due to discuss careers within Cyber and the broader application of the skills garnered through focussing on the Cyber industry.
This online event is open to all degrees and stages. Sign up via the Kent Careers and Employment Service.
Plexal NCSC Academic Entrepreneurship Series
The Entrepreneurship Series, delivered by NCSC’s innovation partner, Plexal is exclusive for students on NCSC-certified courses and other associated initiatives and is designed to introduce attendees to some of the key principles and practices of entrepreneurship.
Taking place across 6 weeks and delivered virtually in 60 – 90-minute sessions, attendees will hear from speakers from the world of startups, investment, industry and academia who will share their experiences and advice for anyone considering setting up their own business.
The Series began on Tuesday, November 8 with the first session focussed on “Turning an Idea into Reality”, where attendees will be introduced to principles such as product-market fit, rapid prototyping and building an MVP (minimum viable product). Future sessions will cover the following topics:
- Spinouts v university startup programmes
- Building a team
- Funding options and support
- Raising Investment 101
- Pitching and storytelling
To signup to the event series please visit the Eventbrite page. Please contact cyber-info@kent.ac.uk for the password to sign up.
Eligible for current students on the MSc Cyber Security only.
CIISec Cyber Career Development Events
CIISec runs Student Cyber Career Development Events with Academic partners to help students find their way into the cyber security industry. The CIISec Cyber Security Career Development Events look at how the profession is evolving, what are the most sought after skills, how leading organisations are meeting their skills deficit and most importantly, what you should be thinking about to take charge and frame your personal career development.
NCSC Innovators Challenge Event
From 2021-22 academic year, the UK’s NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) has been running a 3-day annual Innovators Challenge Event. In 2021, three University of Kent students studying the MSc Cyber Security degree course attended the event. Click here to read a news story about their experience at the event.
The 2022-23 academic year call is to be announced. Stay tuned!
ICL: 2023 Collegiate Cup – Spring Edition: 20 March – 20 May
The ICL is a virtual cyber competition that gives students in cybersecurity programs the opportunity to compete in a hyper-realistic cyber range that simulates the real-world attack scenarios they will face on the job. Students will test their skills and knowledge, competing for the title of Best Cyber Defense Team in Higher Education and incredible prizes. This is a global tournament, with over 400 institutions from around the globe expected to participate.
School leaders nominate four students from their school’s cybersecurity program to participate in the competition. In the first round of the tournament, students will face a series of cyber challenges as individuals. The top-20 teams will move on to the second round, where the 4 contestants from each institution will collaborate as a team in a “live-fire” simulation lasting up to three hours, and be required to mitigate a cyberattack on a virtual organization, emulated in the cyber range.
If you are interested in learning more, email cyber-info@kent.ac.uk.
Opportunities Provided by Other Organisations
(ISC)² Free Certification and Education to UK Cybersecurity Career Seekers
(ISC)² is offering the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity course to 100,000 individuals in the UK for free (terms and conditions apply). The (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity certification is a foundational cybersecurity certification designed to help recipients build a pathway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. This entry-level certification will prove to employers you have the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an entry- or junior-level cybersecurity role. It proves your willingness and ability to learn and grow on the job.