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UEL computing students help fight online fraud

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Top students from the University of East London (UEL) School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering have been working with web security experts First Cyber Security to evaluate software used to prevent identity fraud by banks and leading companies.

The anti-spoofing software is designed to help consumers validate the website they are using as authentic and forty students were asked to help explore potential weaknesses in the system and find ways of improving them.

Students conducted a comprehensive set of tests carried out among 250 online banking, university and supermarket websites.

Dr Godfried Williams, Project Supervisor at UEL said: “Identity theft is a big issue nationwide at the moment and this project, which has been tested by our software engineering final year students shows that the School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering is leading the way in IT security. It’s great practical experience for the students and at the same time, we are giving greater confidence to customers by helping make online systems more secure.

“The students found the first Cyber Security system to be very robust and they have also gone one step further in their work and adapted the software to work in different environments.”

Data released by the UK Payments Association (APACS) has shown an increase of 185% in banking fraud in the first six months of 2008 and another recent survey by XIRING states that over a third of adults have been a victim of online fraud or know of someone who has.

UEL’s School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) has laboratory facilities for both engineering and computing housed in new, purpose-built labs at the Docklands Campus. These provide an ideal ienvironment for students to test theories and master practical skills.

CITE’s programmes have achieved wide recognition; degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering Technology, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors and the British Computer Society and staff and students have a strong track record of success.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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