Eoin Carroll – Security Architect and Senior Security Manager, Intel Security

“While working as an Electronic Engineer for 10yrs, having been certified as a Cisco CCNA , and seeing the trend of Cyber Security jobs I decided to migrate and specialize in Security. In 2008-2009, there were a few Security Masters courses on offer in Ireland but after careful research I decided to register for the CIT MSc Networking and Security (the previous version of MSc in Cybersecurity). This was definitely the best career move I have ever made in my 15 years’ experience. Even though 2009 was the first year this MSc was offered, the course was technically excellent, also covering the legal and management aspects of information security required for any IT Security related role. I have had discussions with many MSc Security holders from different Institutions and I can safely say the content and technical labs delivered as part of this CIT MSc are second to none.

This course is very practical and hands on with extremely challenging technical labs which enabled me to hit the ground running in my transition to a new career path in the field of Software Security. The diversity in the course gives the opportunity to enter many Security fields but also contains enough depth to give you the practical skills to be able to excel on entry to a Security role.

I successfully secured a Software Security role just prior to receiving my MSc from CIT in 2011, and during the past 5 years I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the world’s best Security Architects, Pentesters and Incident Responders. Also, during this time, I’ve attended many world class conferences and formal training sessions which has given me the opportunity to connect with world class security researchers outside of my employer.

What I value most from my time at CIT is not just the fact that it provided me with a vehicle for success but also the fact I stay in touch with the Computer Science department to help tp provide industry feedback which helps to keep the MSc course content relevant. The CIT Department of Computer Science is very active in keeping in touch with the Industry leading Corporations and I believe this a big factor in producing high quality graduates with the practical skills needed to fill Cyber hub pipeline which has evolved in Cork.”

Mustak Mardan – Software Engineer, Intel Security

"Pursuing the MSc in Networking and Security (previous version of MSc in Cybersecurity) from CIT was a very good decision for me. Even after years of product development experience in the security industry, this course offered a different perspective of security. It was key to enhancing my security software development experience. The programme content provided information about emerging trends and challenges in security industry. Learning was easy with well qualified lecturers, who were always ready to help. As a part-time student and working professional, this course was sometimes a little challenging but it was definitely worth the effort."

There also several testimials below from current students of this programme.

Adedamola Afolabi – current student in MSc in information security

"I am from Nigeria. I was born in Lagos, but I was based in the capital, Abuja before moving to Ireland to further my studies. I attended Landmark University Omu-aran,Kwara Nigeria and I graduated in 2014 with a upper second class honors degree in Computer Science. After graduation, I completed my National Youth Service. This is a mandatory service every graduate is expected to undergo for 1 year before taking up employment. During the course of the Service, I worked as an IT officer with a real estate construction company,Urban Shelter and became fully employed with the company at the end of my service year.

I selected this programme because of my interest in Security. As a result of hacking, data breach and different other attack vectors that were occurring in 2015 and 2016, I began to study the processes and trends which I really got interested in and I decided to take it a step further to learn more.

My experience of the course has been very good. I have gained knowledge in so many ways, learning new skills and in-depth understanding of what securing information is about. It has also given me exposure to knowledge about computer systems and how attackers use different components of the systems to carry out different forms of exploit and how to defend against it.

CIT is a wonderful atmosphere for academic learning. The lecturers are always there to guide us through and always ensuring we are carried along in class. The facilities and labs are great and very helpful for the practical learning experience, not just theoretical. Cork is a great location, very peaceful and fun. Ireland is a wonderful place with lots of opportunities. It's definitely one of the most peaceful countries I have been to."

Sai Charan Goud Alligeri– current student in MSc in information security

"I am from Hyderabad, India. I attended the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, graduating in 2016 with a first class honours degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. After graduation I worked for seven months as Cloud Security Analyst for Netskope Software India Pvt Ltd (Bangalore).

My experience of the course is very good. My knowledge of Network Security & forensics, Digital Forensics & Investigations, Malware Analysis and Offensive Security has been increased by learning how the real world problems can be solved and how to protect an organisation from emerging Cyber threats in the current digital world.

Student life in CIT is great with good infrastructure, support from faculty, learning support, access to libraries and student societies. Cork is a great place to live and work. It is filled with peaceful and friendly atmosphere and the work opportunities are also good, especially for IT."

MONIKA GARG – current student in MSc in information security

"I come from Delhi, India and I graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 2012 with a first class honours in the Bachelors of Technology Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. After the degree programme, I completed a 2 year full time Post Graduate Diploma in Management degree in 2014 graduating with a first class honours. I then worked as a Java Software Developer in KeptBug Technologies, Pvt. Ltd, India for 3+ years.

I wanted to broaden my career prospects in the IT sector, so, I searched for the appropriate course based on my previous qualifications and experience. On the basis of this, I applied for the MSc in Information Security in CIT and I was offered a place.

My experience regarding the course is good. This course was pretty new for me and I found the pace challenging when I started the programme but now I am keeping up with the pace. This programme helps me to learn about different aspects of security in technology and their proper usage in current times.

Ireland is the first place I visited besides my home country. I find Ireland to be a beautiful, full of nature and fun-loving people. I am jolly kind of a person and enjoy the company of friendly Irish people. Cork is the second biggest city of Ireland, has many historical places and also, it is a base for many multinational companies.
Life in CIT is amazing. There are lots of events and awareness programs which take place on campus. There are employment opportunities available on campus and career fairs are regularly organised. Being a Class Representative of my course as well as part of the Student Union, I must say that CIT is helping me to improve my skillset as well as my personality."

rohit jain – current student in MSc in information security

"I am orginally from Delhi, India and I obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science (First Class) graduate from MDU, Rohtak, India in 2012. I was then awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from India in 2014. 

I worked as a Software Developer in KeptBug Technologies, Pvt. Ltd, India for 3+ years. However, I wanted to enhance my career in the area of Information Technology. Information Security is a field that is in very high demand and CIT has one of the best InfoSec curriculum that is aligned with industry requirements.

My experience in the course is satisfactory. This course was new to me and the pace was fast. As a novice in the area, I found it a little bit difficult in initial stages, but as I progressed with the course, I have found it easier to keep up. This course has definitely improved my knowledge in Information Security and its related principles.

Ireland is called the Emerald Isle, and true to the name it's full of nature and beautiful landscapes. It is a very beautiful country full of surprising places and weather which changes many times a day. People here are very jolly in nature, friendly and helpful. Cork is said to be the cultural capital of Ireland and it has many historical places to visit, including beautiful churches. Life in CIT is awesome. There are lots of events and awareness programs which take place on the campus. There are also many career fairs on campus. CIT has enhanced my confidence and improved on my skills."

Du Mengyu – current student in MSc in information security

"I come from Wuxi City, China. I attended the INTI International University in Malaysia and graduated with 2.2 Class Honours degree in 2016, with dual degree awarded by INTI International University Malaysia and Coventry University UK. After graduation I worked as junior java developer in Jiangsu R&D center for Internet of Things and application programmer in Citigroup Services and Technology (China) Limited.

I selected this MSc programme because I found that Linux is useful in day-to-day programming, and I planned to improve my skills in Linux programming and Python. My overall experience of the course is very good. The hands-on Penetration Testing examples and extra materials were very valuable. The courses are all related to different aspects of security and I have also gained a better understanding of Networking.

CIT really provides great help to international students. Each semester, A Good Start programme offers social, sporting, academic study and support sessions and events to help us become familiar with the campus, meet new people and prepare for study. The careers office regularly helps to check our CVs to improve our chances of landing a job. Employment opportunities can be found both on CIT career website and career fairs which held in CIT campus. I must say that CIT not only provides us an opportunity to strengthen our technical skills, but also helps us to improve employment possibilities after graduation.

I would highly recommend this course to people who are genuinely interested in improving their technical skills in network security."