Cybersecurity gurus bolster online integrity

Becoming experts

Both Liu and Bai have expressed the desire to become cybersecurity experts when they leave university.

They say the more time they spend on security research, the faster they will be able to discover new vulnerabilities and beat those who would exploit such bugs to attack networks.

Zhang Qian, a 25-year-old who has overseen network security at a bank in Beijing for the past year, said, "While intensifying efforts in research, it is also essential for those who want to be cybersecurity specialists to improve their security defense skills and abilities by seeking online risks through frequent practice.

"Besides, it's also a must for cybersecurity professionals to follow the development of the industry they're engaged in because online attacks in different sectors, such as finance and electricity, are sometimes different," she said.

She compared an interest in cybersecurity with growing a tree, saying that greater knowledge of security defense skills and better analytical abilities regarding relevant industries are the fertilizers that nourish the tree, helping it to become taller and stronger.