Aston University: Aston University Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre collaboratively launches new research facility with IT security consultancy at House of Commons event
The Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre at Aston University, in collaboration with Bluescreen IT, has launched a new Research and Innovation Centre which will be located in Cambridge.
The CSI Centre brings together stakeholders from industry, government and leading cyber security research institutions with the aim to deliver industry-aligned research outcomes. BluescreenIT was founded in 2004 as an IT security consultancy is expanding its R&D capability in cyber security solutions for the Fintech and Defense sectors.
The joint Research and Innovation Centre is strategically positioned in Cambridge, linking cyber security academic capabilities in the Midlands with the research strengths in the South East.
It will focus on developing the next generation of cyber security solutions and serve as a hub for cross-cutting research, technical and academic innovation and thought leadership.
The launch took place at an event at the House of Commons and was hosted by Lord Lucas of Crudwell and Dingwall, chair of the Digital Skills All-Party Parliamentary Group. BIT Group CEO, Michael Dieroff, opened the event and emphasised that they were looking forward to working with Aston University on cybersecurity research and innovation.
Paul Maskall, the fraud and cybercrime prevention manager at DCPCU and UK Finance and a regular BBC expert in financial technology (FinTech), focused on the perceptions of privacy and risks to personal data.
The presentation was followed by a discussion around fraud and cybercrime posing risks to Premier League footballers and the steps to fraud prevention.
Professor Vladlena Benson, director of the CSI Centre at Aston Business School, presented an overview of the projects and state-of-the-art research at the CSI centre.
She said:
“We are looking forward to this collaboration on FinTech security, a key strength of CSI researchers.
In partnership with BIT Research, we will develop novel solutions to address significant challenges, including rising cybercrime and cyber attacks sophistication.”
Professor Stephen Garrett, executive dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, was also in attendance and highlighted the partnership as a catalyst of innovation across the organisation and cybersecurity industry.
Dr Donato Masi, a senior lecturer in operations management at Aston Business School, spoke about the CSI industry forum, which invites businesses to work with Aston University to help solve challenges in supply chain security.
Emily Wakefield from the Knowledge Transfer Office at Aston University presented the success of the University in the Innovate UK knowledge transfer partnership programme and the applied research of the University’s academics benefitting the industry.
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, founding member of the Ethnic Minorities in Cyber Network (EMiC), highlighted the role of diversity in the industry, emphasising the under-representation of women and ethnic minorities in the cyber security industry.
She said:
“Research shows that diverse teams are more productive, efficient and are more effective in decision-making. Hence, it is imperative that we work together to ensure cybersecurity opportunities are accessible and inclusive for everyone”.