The Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen’s – a major hub for research and innovation in cyber security – is being awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
The award comes after the Chancellor, George Osborne, announced plans to double funding to fight cybercrime in the effort to protect the UK from online attacks.
Based at the Northern Ireland Science Park, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, CSIT, with 90 people, is one of the UK’s largest university cyber security research centres. It has developed breakthrough innovations, including novel technology which will be integrated into Apps to improve security for online financial transactions; anti-counterfeit technology to prevent internet fraud; and new processors to deliver filtered internet to homes and businesses, stripping out viruses, malware and malicious content.
Welcoming the announcement, Queen’s University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Johnston said: “Cyber security is now a major global challenge, with cyber crime increasing at an alarming rate. Earlier this week, the UK Government warned of the threat of cyber attacks on vital online infrastructure, such as that which supports hospitals, banks and air traffic control systems. The need for strong and resilient cyber security technologies has never been greater. CSIT is home to some of the world’s foremost cyber security experts. It is, and will continue to be, at the forefront of efforts to protect the UK from cyber attacks and to maintain the public’s trust that their online privacy and data is kept safe.
‘CSIT is home to some of the world’s foremost cyber security experts. It is, and will continue to be, at the forefront of efforts to protect the UK from cyber attacks and to maintain the public’s trust that their online privacy and data is kept safe’
“Since its inception five years ago, CSIT has pioneered research, development and collaboration to protect people and business and drive economic development. The Centre has had a positive impact on the security of billions of internet users around the globe and we are delighted that has been recognised by the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. I congratulate all those involved.”
CSIT is also meeting the increase in demand for cyber security education through its postgraduate courses, including a Masters in Cyber Security which is informed by the Centre’s world-class research in the areas of data, network, media and physical security. It also hosts the World Cyber Security Summit – an annual event which brings together the international research community, industry leaders and government policy makers in Belfast to discuss cyber security challenges.
The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are part of the national honours system and recognise and honour outstanding achievement by universities and colleges in the UK.
Jo Johnson, Minister for Universities and Science says: “The UK is a world leader in science and research and The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes celebrate the achievements of our universities and colleges. The outstanding academics recognised with these awards bring benefits to the everyday lives of millions of people in the UK and deserve this high honour for their work.”
The Prize will be presented at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in February.