Riana’s pathway to studying Cybersecurity at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington began at Wellington Girls College and from support at home.

“I did a little bit of Digital Technologies during high school as an elective and enjoyed it. In addition to that, my dad works in IT and gave me a bit of a push to pursue it

I became interested in Victoria University of Wellington through high school visits. Their Engineering programme stood out as unique compared to other universities offering the same degree.”

Riana is an accomplished hockey player who has proven that you can balance high-level competitive sport with studies, and even learn to transfer skills between both.

“I’ve learned I need to be diligent with my time management. Having a look at my year, the next few months, and weeks to see when either area becomes really busy. Also, getting some good sleep and giving myself some downtime is very important.

“Team collaboration in hockey has also shown me to work hard for the other people in my team and encourage others to do the same so we can all enjoy success together. I think both areas have taught me to be the best I can be. I try to always put my best foot forward and with that, ask for help when I need it. I’m always looking to learn from coaches, teachers, or peers. Also to just have a bit of fun whilst doing both.”

While studying at Victoria University of Wellington, Riana has encountered lots of support, advice, and guidance from the academic community.

“At times hockey or my studies needs to be prioritised more than the other, and so having really good relationships and communications with coaches and course coordinators has helped me manage that.

There are so many people who are more than happy to help, including lecturers, tutors, and peers who want to see each other succeed. I’ve met some of my close mates through this course.”

Annie’s journey to a degree in Cybersecurity at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington started at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch, where she found her passion for digital technology.

“Digital technology was my favourite subject in high school and was an area I wanted to pursue at university, but I didn’t just want to be in a coding-focused role. This led me to cybersecurity. From there I started learning the basics by using platforms like TryHackMe as well as attending conferences in my city while in high school to better understand the industry before starting my university studies.

“I chose to study at Victoria University of Wellington for the opportunity to specialise in cybersecurity earlier and study the Bachelor of Engineering which wasn’t offered at other universities.”

While studying Engineering, Annie has made close friendships and has enjoyed Wellington city.

“I enjoy the relationships I’ve built with my classmates and the non-competitive nature of the degree and cohort. Everyone is always happy to help each other when needed, whether it’s preparing for technical job interviews or working together to learn complicated topics in the course. Everyone I’ve met here has been welcoming and it’s been easy to find good close-knit communities—whether that’s in university halls, my degree, or my football club.”

“I also love how compact the city is—it’s really easy to walk or catch public transport to wherever you want to go. The University is really close to the city making it feel like it’s a real part of the city. There are also always lots of interesting events on so it’s never hard to find fun activities to do when you need a break from studying!”

While at the University, Annie has been involved in many activities outside of her studies.

“I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to complete two internships so far during the summer breaks of my degree. Those roles have provided me with so many valuable experiences that have helped me decide what I want to do in my career, as well as help me understand my coursework in a real-world business environment.

“Through the University I’ve been able to get involved in the executive committees for different engineering clubs to stay involved in the industry outside of my coursework. I’ve also been able to attend industry speaker events hosted by the University and different clubs to help prepare for what it’s like to be working, and accessed help developing my CV and practising job interviews.”

Abdullah’s research aims to create a system to detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)—a serious type of cyber-attack.

By combining AI with data collected from honeypots (decoy systems designed to lure potential attackers), APTs can potentially be detected at an earlier stage, allowing organisations to strengthen their defences against them.

“My research topic is crucial because it addresses the growing threat of APTs in cybersecurity. These sophisticated attacks can cause significant harm to individuals, businesses, and even national security. By developing an Autonomous APT Detection System, we aim to detect and mitigate these threats early, using advanced techniques like Artificial Intelligence and Honeypot data analysis. This research is essential for bolstering our digital defences, protecting sensitive information, and maintaining trust in our interconnected world.”

Abdullah says his research isn't just about academia—it's about protecting people and critical systems from cyber threats.

“From safeguarding personal data to enhancing national security, our work has far-reaching implications for a safer digital world. Looking ahead, we're focused on integrating different types of data, like host and network logs to make our detection system even more effective. Our goal is to stay ahead of cyber threats and keep our digital world secure.”

Abdullah found his passion in cybersecurity after helping a friend recover their password.

“A friend lost their social media password, and I stepped in to help recover it. Witnessing first-hand the vulnerability of digital assets ignited my interest in safeguarding online information. From that moment, I delved deeper into the cybersecurity field, driven by a curiosity to understand the intricacies of digital security and a determination to protect individuals and organisations from cyber threats. With each research endeavour and opportunity to expand my knowledge, my passion for cybersecurity grew, propelling me toward the pursuit of innovative solutions to address the ever-evolving challenges of the digital realm.”

The vibrant academic community, the city's dynamic atmosphere, and Te Herenga Waka’s excellent reputation in cybersecurity drew Abdullah to study here.

“Wellington—with its blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty—provides an inspiring backdrop for learning and personal growth. The University's commitment to innovation and academic excellence resonated with my aspirations, making it an ideal choice for pursuing my education.

“What I've enjoyed the most during my time here is the opportunity to engage with passionate faculty members and fellow students who share my enthusiasm for learning and discovery. The supportive learning environment, coupled with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, has enriched my educational experience and empowered me to push the boundaries of knowledge in my research area.”

In the future, Abdullah seeks to apply his research findings in industry to develop practical cybersecurity solutions that effectively detect and mitigate APTs.

“I am passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, and I would like to collaborate with academic research projects to further advance our understanding of cybersecurity challenges and develop innovative approaches to address them. By leveraging insights gained from academia and combining them with real-world industry experience, I aim to contribute to the development of robust and effective cybersecurity technologies. Additionally, I aspire to participate in collaborative efforts with both academia and industry to tackle broader cybersecurity challenges and foster innovation in the field. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful impact by enhancing cyber defences and promoting a safer digital environment for individuals, organisations, and societies worldwide.”

The extensive range of established societies at the University allowed Samantha to become an outreach officer within Victoria University of Wellington Women in Tech (VUWWIT). This involvement led her to meet similarly impassioned women in STEM and work collaboratively on an outreach project.

“This has given me the opportunity to meet other females studying STEM, as well as improve my leadership and organisational skills. VUWWIT gave me the unique opportunity to work closely with industry partners to plan and deliver a cybersecurity workshop to high-school students.”

The Cybersecurity programme places particular focus on ensuring students have the opportunity to build academic and industry-based connections for the future.

“We get to work with industry partners on real projects and interact closely with lecturers. We get the chance to grow our skills, both in cybersecurity and as future engineers. Working in a team to complete a project for an industry client was an amazing insight into project management and how our university work can be transferred to industry.

“University-organised industry panel and networking events have allowed me to interact with people working in industry and gain insight into where the future of cybersecurity is headed.”