- The event was held by the Aston Centre for Cyber Security Innovation in collaboration with ESRC Festival of Social Science
- The interactive event brought together tech enthusiasts and aspiring cyber security professionals of all ages over 18
- Following the game, attendees engaged in a Q&A with cyber security experts, and networking with peers.
The Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre at Aston University held an innovative Cybersecurity Escape Game event at the Legacy Centre of Excellence on Wednesday 6 November 2024.
The project, part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science, was led by Dr Laura Di Chiacchio and Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, supported by Gosia Dzierdzikowska, Dr Panagiotis Petridis and Dr Asma Patel from the CSI Research Centre at Aston Business School.
The interactive event brought together tech enthusiasts and aspiring cyber security professionals to experience the fundamentals of cyber security in a captivating, hands-on way.
The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to understand key cyber security concepts, explore career paths and gain insights into the essential skills needed in the sector. Attendees were divided into groups of ten and took on the role of cyber security specialists, working collaboratively to solve puzzles and halt virtual hacker attacks in a challenging Cyber-Escape Game. Top-performing teams received exciting prizes for their achievements.
Ideal for tech enthusiasts and those curious about digital safety, the Cybersecurity Escape Game attracted participants looking to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their online protection skills. Following the game, attendees engaged in a Q&A with cyber security experts, networked with peers and enjoyed a complementary buffet and drinks.
Professor Vladlena Benson, director of the CSI Research Centre at Aston University, said:
"The Cybersecurity Escape Game event exemplifies our commitment to innovative, experience-driven learning in cyber security.
“This event brought participants into an interactive, hands-on experience that demystified cyber security concepts and showcased the essential skills needed in the field.
“Events like this are crucial in inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and enhancing public awareness about digital safety.”
Dr Laura Di Chiacchio, lecturer in information systems and cyber security at Aston University, led the project and shared her vision:
“This successful event highlights Aston University’s commitment to fostering cyber security awareness and education.
“I aimed to create an escape game that makes cyber security accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of their technical background.
“In a world where digital threats are ever evolving, our greatest defence is knowledge. By participating in this hands-on experience, attendees could immerse themselves in real-world scenarios, learning how to protect their personal information and understanding the importance of cyber security in today’s digital age.
“We hope everyone left with a better understanding of cyber security, inspired to protect their personal information and explore career opportunities in this dynamic field.
“Looking ahead, we hope to develop the game for different contexts, such as companies and schools, to further spread awareness and education about cyber security.
Thank you to all who joined us and made it such a memorable experience! We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”
Simon Holden, CEO of CyBur Ltd and event speaker, highlighted the need for experience-based learning in cyber security:
“It was great meeting cyber students and recent grads eager to learn more, but many struggle to find jobs due to limited experience.
“I believe we all have a duty to help bridge this gap. Though they lack hands-on experience, they bring valuable knowledge and enthusiasm that can make a big impact.”
Dr Varsha Radhakrishnan, HE lecturer and computing course lead in electronic and electrical engineering, brought her students from South & City College Birmingham to the event and expressed her gratitude:
“I am privileged to have participated in the Cyber Escape Game organised by the Aston University Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre representing South & City College Birmingham, our team, along with my students, proudly secured second place.
“The event was complemented by insightful talks from Simon Holden and Ryan Protheroe, who shared valuable insights on the vast range of job opportunities and emerging technologies in the cyber industry.
“I look forward to more such events and future collaborations.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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