We recently caught up with NEBRC student, Adam Taylor, who has just graduated from Northumbria University and has now left the NEBRC, and has started an exciting new role with one of our Cyber Essentials Partners Aspire Technology Solutions.
The NEBRC student programme works in partnership with Sheffield Hallam, Northumbria, Leeds Beckett, Sunderland, Teesside and Durham Universities offering paid work opportunities to students who are studying cybersecurity.
Adam spent 2 years working at NEBRC as an ethical hacker within our student services team, gaining valuable real-world experience alongside his studies, helping him land a great role with Aspire as their latest Associate Cyber Security Analyst.
This is a great example of the CRC model contributing to the wider cyber security ecosystem through the recruitment of students, giving them real world experience, whilst building relationships with local cyber security organisations to make small and medium sized enterprises safer from online crime and fraud.
When did you first become interested in cybersecurity and where did you study?
I first discovered cyber security when I studied IT during sixth form, it was always an incredibly fascinating space for me and shows like Mr Robot sparked my interest in hacking. My passion grew stronger when I started my BSc in Computer Networks and Cyber Security at Northumbria University, gaining more in-depth knowledge, which led me to produce “TraceHunter” a reconnaissance and scanning tool during my final year project.
How did you hear about the NEBRC student programme and what made you decide to apply?
I first heard about the NEBRC from one of my university lecturers, Biju Issac, who recommended the programme to gain real-world experience while studying. After researching, I was taken aback by the opportunities the NEBRC provides not only to SMEs but to students looking to experience what cyber security looks like in the wild. After hearing what the NEBRC do, I knew it would be an incredibly rewarding opportunity to gain experience and knowledge that I could take further into my career.
What did you most enjoy? What were the biggest learnings?
The most enjoyable part of working with the NEBRC was performing Web Application Vulnerability Assessments. These services provided insight into what a vulnerability assessment looks like. I would say my biggest learning while working with the NEBRC was not only the importance, but the need for security for these businesses. It was always something I had considered, but the NEBRC taught me why it was needed and the real-world impacts an SME can face without these student services highlighting the personal aspect of cyber crime and how it can affect the lives of victims. I believe this is a very important lesson to take through to any career in cyber security.
How did your time with us help you get ready for this opportunity?
Providing student services on behalf of the NEBRC gave me confidence in my interview with knowledge outside of my studies and the ability to talk about the real impact I had made on local businesses. The NEBRC also supported both analytical skills, like report writing, and soft skills found through the Accredited Trainer programme that Martin Wilson took us through. All these skills are fundamental for a future in cyber security and often not found through a traditional university degree.
What made you choose Aspire as the place to start your career?
I first found out about Aspire during a visit to their office with the NEBRC. The Cyber & InfoSec Director, Bob McKay, and SOC Leader, Dean Wright, gave us an overview of the business, a tour around all the departments, and gave a very engaging demo on “Evilginx”. It was an amazing opportunity to get face to face with a local cyber security company and seeing how much passion everyone had was the driving factor in wanting to be a part of the team at Aspire.
If you were to give any small business any cyber security advice what would it be and why?
My advice to small businesses would be to never underestimate the power of education. Over the last 12 months, phishing attacks have remained the most prevalent and disruptive type of attack that all businesses face, so ensuring you and your staff have effective phishing training and general cyber security awareness is key. Basic knowledge, such as how to spot suspicious emails, having strong unique passwords, and the openness for staff to tell someone when they think they have been phished, can drastically reduce the risk to your business.
Martin Wilson, our Head of Student Services comments:
“We’re proud to see Adam take the next step in his career with a prestigious partner I am sure he will go on to achieve great things, and he will find his new role both stimulating and challenging, I wish him the best of luck”
Bob McKay, Cyber & InfoSec Director at Aspire added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Adam to the team as our newest Associate Cyber Security Analyst. His time with the NEBRC has clearly given him a solid foundation of technical and real-world experience, and we’re excited to support his continued development. Our long-standing partnership with the NEBRC helps us bring in emerging talent who can contribute from day one, strengthening both our SOC and the protection we deliver to our customers.”
Find out more about the NEBRC student services programme, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also stay up to date with the ever-changing digital landscape and security threats, by signing up for our free core membership.
The NEBRC is a Police led non-profit organisation that seeks to educate, inform, and support businesses across the UK on how to protect their business online through good cyber security practices.