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Mont Rose College students recently took part in the OPSWAT Academy Cyber Challenge UK 2026, held at Queen Mary University of London on 4 July 2026. The event brought together students, cybersecurity professionals, and industry experts for a full day of technical learning, practical challenges, and professional networking.
The visit gave students valuable exposure to current cybersecurity trends and emerging technologies. It also reflected Mont Rose College’s commitment to providing industry-focused learning opportunities that help students connect their academic studies with real-world practice and future career pathways.
Mont Rose College Students Representing the College
Students from the DTE JAN26A and APRIL25A cohorts represented Mont Rose College at the event:
- Syed Hassan Mustafa
- Samir Ali Jam
- Subo Munshi
- Khadija Yar
- Murasa Hurmat
- Victoria
The students were accompanied by Mr Hafiz Ehsan Ul Haq and Mr Dhyey Patel, who supported them throughout the day and helped ensure they could benefit fully from the learning, practical, and networking opportunities available.
The students represented the College with enthusiasm and professionalism, demonstrating a strong interest in developing their cybersecurity knowledge beyond the classroom.
Learning from Leading Cybersecurity Experts
The programme featured keynote speeches and technical sessions delivered by internationally recognised cybersecurity experts, giving Mont Rose College students valuable exposure to current developments in the field.
The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Irfan Shakeel, Vice President of OPSWAT Academy. He highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digitally connected world and emphasised the need for continuous learning and industry-recognised certifications to build successful careers in cyber defence.
Students also attended an in-depth technical presentation by Serhii Kocherhan, who demonstrated how phishing campaigns are designed, executed, and investigated. The session provided practical insight into identifying phishing attacks, understanding attacker methodologies, and implementing effective defensive strategies.
Another highly informative session was delivered by Manali Ahirrao, focusing on post-quantum cryptography. The presentation explored the emerging challenges posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic systems and introduced modern cryptographic techniques being developed to secure digital communications against future quantum threats.
These sessions gave students a valuable understanding of both current cybersecurity risks and the future of digital security. They also demonstrated why technical knowledge, continuous learning, and professional certifications are essential for students preparing for careers in cybersecurity.
An Inspiring Session with Jayson E. Street
One of the most memorable parts of the programme was a special guest session delivered by internationally recognised cybersecurity expert Jayson E. Street. Drawing on his experience as a penetration tester and security consultant, he shared examples from real cybersecurity incidents and discussed the human side of information security.
His presentation highlighted the importance of ethical hacking, responsible disclosure, continuous professional development, and strong communication skills. Students were encouraged to develop not only technical expertise but also the ethical judgement and professional mindset required in cybersecurity careers.
This session gave students a valuable perspective on the responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals and the importance of using technical knowledge responsibly.
Putting Knowledge into Practice Through the Capture The Flag Competition
A major highlight of the event was the Capture The Flag (CTF) Competition. This practical challenge allowed students to apply their cybersecurity knowledge in a hands-on and competitive environment.
The competition included real-world security challenges in areas such as:
- Web application security
- Digital forensics
- Cryptography
- Reverse engineering
- Network analysis
- Vulnerability exploitation
Working individually and in teams, students analysed clues, solved technical problems, and captured “flags” by completing cybersecurity tasks within a limited time. The competition encouraged participants to think like both attackers and defenders, helping them understand how vulnerabilities can be identified, exploited, and mitigated.
The CTF competition also strengthened key skills such as analytical thinking, logical reasoning, teamwork, resilience, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are highly relevant to careers in cybersecurity and the wider technology sector.
Certificates and Professional Development Resources
All participating Mont Rose College students received valuable resources and recognition for taking part in the event. These included:
- A printed hardcover copy of Cybersecurity Upside Down
- A bundle of nine OPSWAT Academy cybersecurity certifications with ISC2 Continuing Professional Education credits
- A Certificate of Participation
- Event merchandise
- The opportunity to win additional cybersecurity certification prizes through the CTF competition
These certificates and resources will support students as they continue to develop their cybersecurity knowledge and build their professional profiles. Industry-recognised certifications are particularly valuable for students who want to demonstrate practical learning, commitment, and readiness for employment in the technology sector.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The OPSWAT Academy Cyber Challenge gave Mont Rose College students an opportunity to interact with cybersecurity professionals, expand their professional networks, and gain practical experience that complements their academic studies.
At Mont Rose College, industry engagement is an important part of student development. Events such as this help students build confidence, understand current industry expectations, and explore the skills required for future employment.
The College is proud of the students who represented Mont Rose College at Queen Mary University of London. Their active participation demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong commitment to developing their knowledge beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead
The OPSWAT Academy Cyber Challenge UK 2026 was an enriching and highly beneficial experience for everyone involved. It enhanced students’ technical knowledge, introduced them to current cybersecurity practices, and encouraged them to pursue further professional certifications and careers in this rapidly growing field.
Mont Rose College looks forward to supporting similar industry engagement opportunities in the future. By combining academic learning with practical experiences, the College continues to prepare students for successful futures in technology, digital innovation, and cybersecurity.
