Sabarathinam Chockalingam
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India
CSM Graduate 2012-2013
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"I wanted to be at the centre of global cyber security developments" |
Since graduating, Sabarathinam was offered the position of Research Assistant at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur where he worked on Research in Digital Forensics from September 2014 till January 2015 under the High Impact Research (HIR) Grant.
During that time, he received an offer to do his PhD in a project entitled "Secure Our Safety: Building Cyber Security for Flood Management" at Delft University of Technology (TUDelft) in the Netherlands. Sabarathinam is currently undertaking his PhD research.
When we first spoke to Sabarathinam, we asked him to describe his experience of the course and how it led him to present a paper at a world-leading conference.
“The course exceeded my expectations in almost every respect. It was very challenging, but the professors worked hard to make sure that I built the foundation of knowledge I needed to meet every one of those challenges and succeed.
One unique aspect of the programme was the series of guest lecturers during each module. We learned from – and were able to discuss issues with - high profile professionals from companies including IBM, Kaspersky, and Nettitude. This direct exposure to industry was extremely valuable. You find out what is happening in business now, the ever-changing challenges that organisations face and how the technical subjects you study in lectures are applied in real life.
One reason I chose to study at WMG is because the course combines key cyber security technical concepts with management subjects including leadership and financial analysis. Through this, I felt I would be able to build the broad range of skills that today’s employers are looking for.
It was also important to me that I studied in the UK. I became interested in cyber security while studying for my Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering in India. Cyber security an emerging and rapidly developing area with huge potential – and it became clear to me that the UK is at the centre of it all. Organisations here have been involved in a lot of pioneering research in recent years and the country leads the way worldwide.
My professors were very supportive of me wanting to publish a research paper during my programme. I was delighted to have the opportunity to present a paper entitled “Cyber Security of a Wireless Vehicle” at the Kaspersky Academy – Cyber Security for the Next Generation Conference (European Round). This was based on my Post Module Assignment that I did for a module entitled “Security Architecture and Network Defense”.
This was a fantastic opportunity and a wonderful experience. For me, it was not just about presenting a paper, but presenting it in one of the best conferences in the world that made all the difference. This event allowed me to engage directly with cyber security experts from both industry and academia.
After graduating with distinction, I worked as a Security Researcher with an independent innovation and technology company that helps organisations benefit from satellite technologies. That included carrying out research on various security aspects of the Internet of Things and Machine-to-Machine systems. I then returned to India and I am now applying to PhD programmes.
The journey I took through my Masters gave me a huge spectrum of knowledge, ideas, and concepts. The course opened my eyes to what is possible and I now have the confidence to know that I can build my career in this increasingly competitive world. Overall, my experience at the University of Warwick was quite simply amazing.”