Cyber Security Lab
The Cyber Physical Systems Lab is purpose-built to support teaching of both Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things. It is composed of two interconnected parts, at one end is a workshop/project space that can be used to build and test projects that interact with the physical space, e.g. VR based systems, or those that embed computers and sensors into physical devices. This part of the lab is equipped with a selection of VR headsets, Raspberry Pis and sensors for student and research use.
At the other end of the space is a 40-seat computer lab that can either be used to support the activities above, or for cyber security teaching. To support the latter, the room has a custom network infrastructure that can be configured as an isolated network, connected to the Internet, or fully connected to the University network. Software written by one of our undergraduates, monitors the network and alters the ambient lighting to inform users of network status in real time. The PCs in the room run Linux and can be booted into different environments based on teaching requirements. Currently, a standard linux environment is available, along with one configured for cybersecurity teaching (such as malware analysis). The room can also be partitioned into a red-team and a blue team for competitive activities.
The lab supports full network isolation to enable related activities and experiments, and can be physically partitioned for enabling further isolation in team-based activities.
The facility is also used to support the delivery of taught modules such as Cyber Security and Malware Analysis on our related MSc programme and other taught courses.