Hi Ryan, do you want to introduce yourself and your PhD topic?

Yeah, my name is Ryan McGaughey. My PhD is in Highly Distributed Learning for Privacy-Preserving Analytics, which is a long title for basically Federated Learning Systems. The Attacking and Defending Federal Federated Learning Systems.

How did you first come across the opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD, and what drew you to it?

I found out about this PhD through a friend who told me about it online. When I heard it was fully funded and related to computer science, I was immediately drawn to it. I've always been interested in computer science and programming, so it seemed like the perfect fit for me.

What was it that drew you to cyber security in the first place?

My PhD topic leans towards AI as well as cyber security - I've always been intrigued by the complexities of both. Coming from a maths background, the logical and problem-solving aspects of it appealed to me. Plus, with the booming cyber security industry in Belfast, it seemed like a promising field to dive into.

What appealed to you about choosing to stay in Belfast?

Belfast has such a booming industry at the minute and it’s lucky for me! I mean my whole life's been a series of lucky coincidences. I happen to just be good at cyber security, or it seems to me that I'm quite good at computing and maths. Then I’m lucky to live in a good place with the right people around me. Not to lessen my own achievements but a lot of it comes down the right place. I’m glad that it’s happening in Belfast.

Describe your experience transitioning from a master's programme to a PhD programme, particularly in terms of the differences in workload and independence.

Transitioning from a master's to a PhD was a shift towards hyper-specific research. Unlike the varied coursework in a master's program, a PhD focuses intensely on one project. It requires more independence and self-direction.

When you are studying for your master’s, you are not really breaking any new ground, you’re learning about what is already happening.

With a PhD you are breaking through that boundary a bit and doing something completely new. So that is why it becomes so specific rather than covering a lot of different directions.

What’s the community like when you’re a PhD Researcher at Queen’s University?

The community at Queen's University is fantastic. I've been fortunate to work with a group of supportive and talented individuals who are always willing to collaborate and lend a helping hand.

What networking opportunities have you encountered during your PhD programme?

Throughout my PhD, I've had the chance to network with experts in the field through conferences, workshops, and seminars. These opportunities have been great for sharing ideas, gaining insights, and establishing connections within the cyber security community.

Walk us through a typical day as a PhD student in cyber security.

A typical day for me starts with getting to the office around 9:00 AM. I spend the day working on my research, taking breaks, and collaborating with colleagues. We have access to a gym, so I usually squeeze in a workout during the day.

What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing a PhD in cyber security?

My advice would be to dive in with passion and curiosity. If you're thinking about doing a PhD, seriously, you're probably smart enough, so I wouldn't worry about that. I would say give it a go. Focus on your research interests, seek out opportunities for collaboration, and embrace it.

Before starting your cyber security degree, what misconceptions did you have about the field?

One misconception I had was that I needed to be an expert in everything cyber security-related. In reality, specializing in a specific area of research is perfectly acceptable. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the supportive and collaborative nature of the cyber security community.

What has been the most unexpected aspect of your PhD experience in terms of day-to-day work and research processes?

The most unexpected aspect for me has been getting to know all the guys in the group. We’re a cohort of around 12 people and the level of collaboration and camaraderie among peers. I've found that bouncing ideas off each other and working together towards common goals has enhanced the research experience immensely.

We’re asking everyone to challenge a common cyber security myth. Could you explain why password security is so important?

Contrary to popular belief, cyber security threats often stem from internal factors such as weak passwords or human error. Password security is crucial because it serves as the first line of defence against unauthorised access to sensitive information. Implementing strong password policies and regularly updating passwords can significantly mitigate the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.