Tiffany Chu

Systems Support Specialist - Security
Telecom Operations Centre

I was one of the first batches of students who went through the Computer Security and Forensics (CS&F) program offered by the University of Canterbury back in 2006. I personally think that I benefited hugely from it. Straight after graduating, I managed to secure a Security Operations Specialist role with the Security Operations Centre in Telecom NZ.

From the CS&F program, I learnt that Security is a field that has depth both vertically and horizontally. For instance, I have always thought computer security was all about viruses and hacking activities. Throughout the program I was introduced to the various fields of computer security, computer forensics, information warfare and security management just to name a few. I was also given a real life project involving Intrusion Detection Systems to work on in conjunction with Telecom NZ.

I found this project particular interesting because it involved the application of theory in a real life situation. I was able to experience the practical side of Computer Security. This experience was invaluable to me and helped me achieve both personal growth and professional development within the field of Computer Security.

I guess some of you out there will be curious as to where I am at 3 years after completing the CS&F program. I am currently providing second level support for the security and network infrastructure of Telecom NZ. My day to day role involves trouble shooting to fix faults or alerts that as they arise. I also assist with the implementation and management of changes to network infrastructure that ensures total reliability. These tasks that I handle require both good knowledge on security and network administration, and I am glad that the CS&F program gave me a strong foundation for my role.