Ellen has been interested in online gaming for as long as she can remember. Computer technology became her passion from an early age. Growing up in Linköping, she felt that there were no other options for her than computer technology. Ellen enjoys problem-solving, particularly software related problems. She loves how software can be taken apart and rebuilt fast to gain knowledge.

"The most important thing I learned at university was the ability to learn quickly, rather than specific knowledge of cybersecurity.”

Martin has been attached to his computer since childhood. He primarily played games like LOL and COD, and it wasn't until later that he discovered his passion for computer technology. What fascinates Martin about computer technology is the untapped potential. He believes that computer technology can be applied to and improve many areas in society, and that it is full of both meaning and potential. From tracking buses in real-time to streamlining of healthcare and creating 3D models to learn how to dissect.

Martin and Ellen received a recommendation to write a thesis at link22 from a person with connections in the industry, they contacted the link22 and soon after received a concrete proposal for a thesis.

"It was good for us to receive a proposal. We had something to start from and could quickly return with adjustments that were needed to get approval from Linköping University."

The mission was to investigate if a physical data diode could be replaced by a virtual data diode without compromising on function nor security. They concluded that the virtual versions available today are not as secure as a physical data diode, but that they can perform just as well as physical data diodes for some selected criteria. Ellen and Martin believe that virtual data diodes in the future can become as secure as physical ones and that more research is needed in the field.

"We received good help from supervisors and experts at link22. Now and then, colleagues came by the thesis office, asked about our work, and offered help. We experienced a wonderful corporate culture full of willingness to collaborate and ambition."

Ellen notes that they both appreciated being close to experts with many years of experience to learn quickly. Something they both believe would have been more challenging in a larger company where there are more departments and a steeper hierarchy.

Martin reflects on an attack on a grocery store chain where the cash register system was put out of function. He points out that the weakness of large systems is that an attack can cause severe devastation. He believes that we will see increased system fragmentation to separate "points of failures" and thereby reduce the consequences of each attack.

When asked about specialization, Ellen says that right now, it's about comprehending link22 as a whole and cybersecurity as a field. Time will tell whether she will specialize or not.

For Martin, computer science is about using technology to make the world a better place and solve real problems. He thinks it's exciting to work in an area where there are constantly challenges and opportunities to learn new things. Through his work in computer technology and cybersecurity, Martin wants to create a better future for everyone.

For Ellen, cybersecurity is about solving complex problems and protecting important data from harmful intrusions. Working in cybersecurity gives her the opportunity to work with the latest technology and constantly challenge herself to find new and better solutions to problems that arise. Through her work, Ellen wants to help make digital systems safer.

After six months of an internship, both link22 and Martin felt that a continuation was natural. Martin comes to link22 directly from the Master program in Computer Science at Linköping University. We talked to Martin about life, cybersecurity, and work. Sleep, music, and snacks are important to his well-being. A meaningful mission and fun colleagues are important to him in his work life. Below is the full interview.

What is important to you in an employer?

Fun colleagues, opportunities to influence and a positive atmosphere.

What interests you about cybersecurity?

Everyone, everywhere needs some form of cybersecurity, so the opportunities to help are many.

Cybersecurity is broad and has an impact both nationally and privately. I feel that in my private life, I get more use out of knowledge about cybersecurity than knowledge about, for example, AI or robotics. My feeling is that there is a greater chance that someone I know will ask me how to avoid phishing than they will ask me how to make a robot or adjust an AI.

How do you think you can contribute to link22?

What interests me right now and what I hope to raise awareness about is user-friendliness and consequence analysis.

What do you need to be motivated?

I appreciate flexible working hours, meaningful and current tasks, and a good supply of cookies and snacks as it usually helps me to get through the last hours.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I try to keep up with the political discussion and watch series. Playing board games with friends is also an interest, and I hope to get a small group going at link22. I am also a big Eurovision fan, and now it is the high season, so it is something I am looking forward to! They haven't won their national competitions yet, but Norwegian "Queen of Kings" and Finnish "Cha Cha Cha" are favorites right now.

What is your favorite item?

Either my headphones as music can be very therapeutic for me, or my mattress as a good night's sleep really makes a difference.

What did your studies involve and how can it be useful at link22?

I took a Master in Computer Science with a specialization in Secure Systems at Linköping University. I hope that I have learned some newer techniques and tools over the years that may not have reached link22 yet, and I can spread them there.

What advice do you have for students who want to apply to link22?

Think about whether you want to work for a larger or smaller company. link22 is of the smaller type and that's a good thing in my opinion. Everyone knows everyone, and work in smaller groups seems very effective.

If you, as a student, also cannot think of an idea for a thesis project, check out link22! In my and Ellen's journey, we contacted many different companies, and either they had no suggestions and said "come up with something yourself" or there was only one thesis project with a security theme that did not suit us. On the other hand, link22 had a lot of suggestions ready, which simplified our process a lot. They were, of course, open to the student's own suggestions, and you could also adjust alternatives, but having something to start from made it much easier.