Kaspersky calls for students to help tackle cybersecurity issues: Hackathon registration now open

Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky, together with Hackathons International, is hosting a student hackathon dedicated to tackling security issues posed by new technologies.

The Secur’IT Cup APAC event, now in its third year, will take place online from 29-31 October 2021. Any student aged 18 to 26 years currently enrolled in a university degree within the APAC region is eligible, and may participate as an individual or in teams. 

The hackathon winners will receive $1,500 (AUD) and entry to the Global Secur’IT Cup Final in December, where the prize money is $10,000 (USD).

Students will be tasked with sharing research and project ideas that can help solve cybersecurity issues in the following areas:

• Security assessment methods and instruments: New approaches to improve or automate security assessment processes for web and mobile applications, corporate networks or industrial objects

• Machine learning in cybersecurity: New methods to apply machine learning to improve cybersecurity technologies and narrow the damage caused by cyberattacks

• Fighting Cyber Violence: New ways to help violence survivors protect themselves in the digital and physical world from stalking, bullying and hidden tracking 

• IoT Security: New security solutions to prevent IoT devices (such as smart home devices, medical devices, unmanned vehicles, drones) from exposing users’ privacy 

The judges will assess projects based on the level of creativity, technical feasibility and the potential to implement a proof of concept.

Margrith Appleby, General Manager of Kaspersky Australia and New Zealand commented, “Over the past couple of years I’ve been so impressed at the level of talent and creativity the students demonstrate during Secur’IT Cup, and I cannot wait to see what they come up with this year. At Kaspersky our mission is to save the world from cyber threats and this event is a fantastic way to empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts to join this mission. 

“There is a clear skills gap in cybersecurity across the region that we as industry, academia and governments need to address together. Alongside Hackathons International, we hope this event helps hundreds of university students build their cybersecurity knowledge and come away with a greater understanding of how to apply this to real-world issues.”

CEO of Hackathons International Angela Bee Chan added, “We are all about activating new ways of thinking, creating meaningful connections and equipping young people with the right tools to inspire innovation. Throughout the weekend, the students are paired with industry mentors so they can learn from experts and ensure their projects have real-world potential. We’re excited to be collaborating with Kaspersky again to encourage students to solve such important and topical issues like cybersecurity.” 

To register, please visit secureitcup.kaspersky.com 

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 240,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

About Hackathons International  

Hackathons International provides access to equal opportunities for everyone, everywhere by delivering the best Hackathon experiences to activate change. They are a community of hackathon organisers, participants, sponsors, partners and government to connect, empower, grow and advance the Global hackathon community. Learn more at www.hackathonsinternational.com