Ciaran Martin, CEO of the UK’s new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), met researchers from the University of Edinburgh‘s Cyber Security and Privacy Research Network and saw demonstrations of research relating to online security and privacy.
Mr Martin was shown technology developed at the university that enables secure online communications using light. LiFi, developed in the School of Engineering, provides high speed, bidirectional internet connectivity using LED lights, in which information cannot travel beyond the bulb’s beam.
Researchers from Design Informatics – a collaboration between the School of Informatics and Edinburgh College of Art – showed their BitBarista, an internet-enabled coffee machine that operates with Bitcoin and collects data from users. And Design Informatics researchers showed how to build security into design.
Staff from the School of Informatics gave the CEO demonstrations on trackable devices, phishing and firewalls, and how networks might be modified while under cyber attack.
Mr Martin heard details of the uni’s forthcoming Bayes Centre. Briefly, it’s opening in 2018 at Potterrow, as a hub for data-related study and research; and applying data science to practical problems.
He said: “I am delighted that the University of Edinburgh has achieved recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, the first Scottish university to do so. The university’s investment in future capacity and capability will help ensure that the UK has the necessary skills and knowledge to confirm our position as a world leader in cyber security.”
