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“It’s a golden age to be a cryptographer”

Given the sharp rise in security attacks on systems, networks and programs, cyber security has become a crucial topic. In response to this phenomenon, the joint-degree Master’s programme in Cyber Security was established in 2019 by ETH Zurich and EPFL. We spoke with both professors and students who have first-hand knowhow of the programme, gaining insights into their experiences and perspectives.

by Pauline Lüthi

Information is valuable and critical. The potential for misuse however is enormous, making information security essential. There is still a lot of work to be done in the field of cyber security. It is safe to say that we are just getting started. The Master's programme, established in 2019 as a joint programme between ETH Zurich and EPFL, teaches students to develop solutions for pressing security problems in computer systems, networks, and their applications. Students also learn how to design a secure and future-proof information infrastructure and cultivate trust among users. To provide a unique and comprehensive study experience, a mandatory semester is included at ETH Zurich's sister university, EPFL, and the same applies in reverse.

For this video, we interviewed two distinguished professors from the Department of Computer Science, as well as five students, who shared valuable insights about their experience studying cyber security.

Portrait Kenny Paterson
“It's a golden age in which to be a cryptographer. 20 years ago, cryptography was used a little bit to protect web communications and mobile communications and maybe some banking. But these days, cryptography is really everywhere in our everyday life.”
Portrait Kenny Paterson
Kenny Paterson, Professor of Computer Science (D-INFK)

Professor Kenny Paterson leads the Applied Cryptography Group in the Institute of Information Security at ETH Zurich. He is also head of the department and deputy director of the CAS/DAS in Cyber Security. His research focus over the last two decades has mostly been on cryptography, with a strong emphasis on the analysis of deployed cryptographic systems and on the development of provably secure solutions to real-world cryptographic problems.

Portrait Shweta Shinde
“Back in the day, only experts used to use computer systems, but now everyone has a mobile phone, uses e-banking to access their financial records and probably uses social media to interact with other people. The more data we put out there, the higher the risk of getting attacked.”
Portrait Shweta Shinde
Shweta Shinde, Professor of Computer Science (D-INFK)

Professor Shweta Shinde is an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science, where she leads the Secure & Trustworthy Systems Group (SECTRS). She is also a member of the Institute of Information Security and the Zurich Information Security and Privacy Center (ZISC). Her research lies at the intersection of trusted computing, system security, program analysis, and formal verification.

Interviewees

  • Arduin Brandts
    Arduin Brandts, Master's student
  • Ladina Roffler
    Ladina Roffler, Master's student
  • Stefan Weber
    Stefan Weber, Master's student
  • Ella Kummer
    Ella Kummer, Master's student
  • Jordi Subirà Nieto
    Jordi Subirà Nieto, Alumnus

The video showcases the perspectives of several master’s students and one alumnus, including Arduin Brandts, Ella Kummer, Ladina Roffler, Stefan Weber, and Jordi Subirà Nieto. They offer glimpses into both the challenges and rewards of working in this field. Additionally, they provide insights and advice for prospective students and discuss potential career opportunities available upon completion of the programme.

Graduates of this Master’s programme lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the growing field of cyber security. As this sector continues to evolve and expand, opportunities abound in industry and academic research worldwide.

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