Cutting-edge cybersecurity project gains industry recognition
A cutting-edge cybersecurity project developed by Glasgow Caledonian University has garnered significant attention and support from industry leaders thanks to media coverage.
In a ground-breaking initiative, academics and undergraduates from the University's Cyber Security and Networking Department had previously unveiled a revolutionary platform aimed at thwarting potential cyber-attacks on the country's rail network.
The project, which received funding from the University’s Smart Technologies Centre, features a unique model trainset controlled by microprocessors and is monitored by a bespoke website, allowing researchers and students to simulate cyberattacks on vital systems such as level crossings and train sensors.
Following media coverage generated by the University’s Corporate Communications team, the project has received a substantial boost from Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider, which has delivered high-tech networking equipment, software licensing, and other resources worth a five-figure sum to enhance the project's testbed and make it more professional and industry-relevant.
Project lead Dr Salaheddin Hosseinzadeh said: "With this new equipment from Fortinet, we are now not only better able to demonstrate the weaknesses of the system but also to fix and resolve them. This allows us to show students how they can take advantage of these technologies and use them correctly to bolster the security of the system.
“I am grateful for the impact resulting from the media coverage generated for this project. It shows the value of such exposure, as we are also now talking to other major companies who are looking to get involved.”
Several students are also working on this upgrade project as part of their honours degrees, providing them with unprecedented access to cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies as part of their coursework.
Fortinet is also providing free cybersecurity training for the University’s cybersecurity students.