Category: News

Today Gerard L.A. Persoon gave a lecture on how blockchains work and what you can do with them.

A blockchain is, as the name implies, a chain of digital “blocks” of data. A block is composed of three parts:

1. Data: Different types of blockchains store different types of data. For instance, a Bitcoin blockchain stores details about financial transactions
2. Hash: each block has a unique hash. A hash is a unique identifier for each block, sort of like a fingerprint.  When the data inside a block changes,  a new block is created, as is a new hash.
3. Hash of the previous block: this is why these blocks are described as being in a “chain”; because every block is “chained” to the previous block.  The only block that does not have this element is the first block in a chain, as there is no previous block to refer to.

The fact that blocks of data are stored in a “chain” is partially what makes them harder to hack into than other forms of data storage.  This is because if you tamper with one block (thus changing its data and its hash), all the subsequent blocks become invalid because they contain the hash of the previous, unhampered block. This means a hacker will probably be caught if they attempt to tamper with data in a blockchain. Although new hashes for the subsequent blocks could be created to unlock the data in the subsequent blocks, so a hacker could avoid being detected, this process is purposefully made very slow by what is called the “proof of work” mechanism.

Sources: How does a blockchain work– Simply Explained, Blockchain security: What keeps your transaction data safe?

As a socially involved bank, Rabobank likes to help people and organizations achieve ambitions. After a successful application process, Cyberworkplace will receive an amount of €4.840  from the RabobankRotterdamFonds.

The RabobankRotterdamFonds allows employees of Rabobank to form a sponsor team and invest in projects that improve, enrich and strengthen the environment within one of the following themes: banking for food, vital living and living environment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Cyberworkplace project is called “Become a cybersecurity expert” and will focus on creating a better working environment for our students, by providing the right software and materials they need to fully participate in the working process and be able to practice their hacking / programming skills. The focus of this project is on hacking and thus better protection of commonly used IoT products.

The project will be implemented in the first quarter of 2019.

On 9th of January 2019, at their office in Rotterdam,  Blaak 333, Rabobank employees (Carola Nederlof, Marcel de Groot, Marco van Oort, Albert Lavrijssen and Wilco Huysman) officially handed over the cheque to Cyberworkplace, represented by board member Ruud Jongejan and project manager, Nasya H.

Members of the RabobankRotterdamFonds sponsor team are also Sandra Jongenburger, Johan Gerdes and Peter Schröder.

About RabobankRotterdamFonds

RabobankRotterdamFonds supports local projects and activities in the municipality of Rotterdam, Capelle aan de IJssel, Schiedam and Vlaardingen that improve, enrich and strengthen the environment. Their goal is to make the city stronger.  More information about Rotterdam Rabobank fond.

About Cyberworkplace

Cyberworkplace is an off-beat initiative focusing on broadening the cyber security talent pool by offering training, internships, and jobs. Cyberworkplace attracts security talents such as gamers, hackers but also tech-savvy dropouts and helps them develop the skills they need for the 21st-century labor market.  More information about Cyberworkplace.

DDoS attacks, malware, online crime networks – these are some of the topics Floor Jansen of Team High Tech Crime, touched on in her lecture today. She really liked our hoodie! We also got ‘Sinterklaas-themed’ snacks thanks to ECP Platform voor de Informatie Samenleving. Lekker!

Did you know that you don’t even need to have a computer or internet access to be a victim of a cyber crime? Things such as bank cards,  cars, and SIM cards can also be targeted by criminals who use special software to commit crimes. Some criminals even sell hacking software online for very low prices, so those without extensive knowledge in technology or hacking can also easily commit crimes.

It is difficult for police to know exactly how many cyber crimes actually occur, as the perfect cyber crime leaves no trace. There have also been cases of cyber criminals intentionally making it seem as though someone else committed their crime.  Team High Tech Crime focuses on combating crimes such as these: the most advanced forms of cyber crime that often require extensive knowledge of technology to commit.

Sources: Cybercrime

Cyberworkplace is accepting three new board members into its team: Mira Golsteyn, Ruud Jongejan, and Theo Sinnema. All of them are acquainted with the world of IT and cybersecurity, and each of them also has a unique skill-set which will complement Cyberworkplace beautifully.

Ruud Jongejan, a true “Rotterdammer” works in the area of cybersecurity and privacy, and he is highly motivated to help young people immerse themselves in this world.

Mira Golsteyn is a senior manager with over twenty years’ experience in operations and IT management. She delivers results and is passionate about security, quality, and compliance.

Theo Sinnema, a believer in bringing out the best in individuals with integrity and clarity, works as a Senior Project Manager in the field of risk and security.

Although we are incredibly excited to welcome them on board, the news is overall bitter-sweet; as unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to Mary-Jo de Leeuw. Previously the Chairman of the General Board at Cyberworkplace, Mary-Jo de Leeuw resigned on November 30^th, 2018, due to her new position as Director Cybersecurity EMEA in London. Cyberworkplace wishes her good luck and sends her tender regards. “With pain in my heart, I leave the Cyberworkplace and Rotterdam! I am incredibly proud that we have put this together in a relatively short time. I am therefore very grateful for all the opportunities that we have received from the Municipality of Rotterdam and  42Workplace”, said de Leeuw.

As of December 1st, Anouk Vos is taking the position of a Chairman of the General Board at Cyberworkplace. With these changes taking place, Cyberworkplace is confident it will persevere, and continue to be a place where outcasted youngsters can finally belong, learn about ethical hacking, tackle real issues, and explore the digital world together.

What does it take to become a Security Architect?

Today, our students designed an internet “zoning” model to protect sensitive data. Thank you, Riccardo Oosterbaan for sharing your knowledge! 

Security Architects focus on creating designs that are usually reproducible to address not only necessities in network security, but also potential risks.  The fact that Security Architects specialize on making reproducible models for security allows the same designs to be re-used multiple times, creating a  standardized security system.

Security Architects specialize in understanding relationships and dependencies between components within IT architecture.  However, security controls that these individuals work in go beyond IT. Security Architects also consider aspects such as  financial, legal, and regulatory obligations.

Source: What does Security Architecture mean?