Preparations are underway for the next Hackathon event at the University of Worcester’s Cyber Lab.
The event, which is held in conjunction with the British Computer Society and local cyber security firm IASME, sees students compete in teams to hack into a fake web application, with a prize for the winners.
Taking place over six hours, teams are awarded ‘flags’ for each successful attack they make, and at the end of the challenge, the team with the most flags wins the tournament.
The first event was held in March this year and was such a success that the team at the University’s Department of Computing decided to bring it back again, but this time, teams from further afield will be invited to take part.
Head of Department, Richard Wilkinson, said: “These students normally spend their days learning how to defend a network, or design applications to withstand cyber-attacks, but this gives them the chance to see how the other side of it works.”
He continued: “This year, we are also inviting other local universities, schools, and colleges who might like to send a team along to take part, truly extending this out to benefit the wider region.”
He added: “We run the event in partnership with the British Computer Society, and some local businesses as well, who come and help out on the day, and it’s a way to help students learn what hackers will use or exploit as vulnerabilities in a network which make things insecure.”
He said: “They can then learn how to create systems which don’t have those vulnerabilities.”
The University launched its Cyber Security degree last September, alongside its Cyber Lab, which features a closed network which allows students to learn about cyber security in a safe environment.
Prizes for the winning teams are provided by the Hereford and Worcester branch of the British Computer Society (BCS), the chartered institute for IT.
Branch Chair David Workman said: “We are delighted to continue our support for this competitive event. It gives students an opportunity to practice and develop their skills, preparing them for the real world of employment in cyber security.”
Malvern based cyber security firm IASME will again be supporting the event by providing a server containing all of the activities and challenges on it.
Jessica Burden from IASME said: “Events like these are crucial for fostering the next generation of cyber security professionals.”
She continued: “We’re strongly committed to ensuring that this event is accessible to all students, regardless of their background or level of experience.”
She added: “This inclusivity not only inspires participation but also encourages a diverse range of creative approaches to problem solving, which is essential in the ever-evolving field of cyber security.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk