Enjoying an Accidental Discovery

Although there are challenging times in cybersecurity, Eldon still finds joy and fulfilment in his calling.

Getting started

During my Junior College (JC) days, I participated in my first Capture-the-Flag (CTF) event with my friends. Despite not knowing anything about computing, it was a memorable experience being exposed to the cybersecurity field for the first time, and it really piqued my interest in the field of computing. This led to my decision to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

In my third year of study in NUS, I joined DSO’s cybersecurity internship programme and experienced a glimpse of working in the cybersecurity research field. It was a very pleasant experience where I had the opportunity to learn new things, such as analysing malicious Microsoft Excel files, and performing vulnerability assessments on an embedded system. Also, I was even able to apply some of the cybersecurity concepts that were taught in school! This internship convinced me that cybersecurity research was indeed what I wanted to do after graduation.

After my internship, I decided to apply for the DSO SOAR scholarship as I enjoyed DSO’s working environment, and wanted to continue working in the research domain. Luckily, my application was successful and I joined DSO upon graduation!

About my job

Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering), National University of Singapore (NUS), 2020.

I’m a cybersecurity researcher from the Information Division in DSO. Here, my work focuses mainly in areas of cybersecurity research and vulnerability assessments on embedded systems and Internet-of- Things (IoT) devices, as well as performing penetration tests on systems.

Currently, I’m doing research and development (R&D) work on embedded devices such as network routers to find vulnerabilities, and also ensure the security of these devices.

What I enjoy most about my job

Tackling challenges to successfully find vulnerabilities on a system is not only enjoyable, but fulfilling as well. Knowing that my team and I were able to develop a Proof-of- Concept (PoC) that exploits the vulnerability and assess the impact of the vulnerability that we have just discovered, is a huge sense of achievement that is very satisfying to me. It was clear that the hard work that we put into our research paid off.

Then and now

The steep learning curve proved to be the main challenge, as there were many different CPU architectures in embedded devices that I was unfamiliar with, and debugging hardware embedded device was new to me, too. Thankfully, my supervisors and colleagues were very experienced and willing to help me overcome this steep learning curve. DSO also provides learning opportunities for us to attend courses frequently, expanding the depth and breadth of our technical knowledge in our area of work.

Essential skills

Innovation and analytical thinking are essential skills to do well in an R&D organisation. To find a vulnerability in a system, you would have to think out of the box and find different ways to cause systems to work in a way that they’re not supposed to.

Analytical thinking is important as it’s very common in the R&D field to be working with partial or incomplete information. We’ll need to piece the puzzles together to better understand how the system works using the bits and pieces of information that are given to us.

My advice to graduates

Don’t give up! Failure is a natural process in R&D, and you’ll never know what works if you stop trying. We shouldn’t be demoralised by our failures. Most importantly, never be afraid to try!

GlobalFoundries (GF) is one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers and the only one with a truly global footprint spanning three continents (U.S., Europe and Asia). We manufacture complex, feature-rich integrated circuits that enable billions of electronic devices. At GF, we make things that matter – from the solutions that enable the way we live today, to the technologies that drive what’s possible for tomorrow.

GF knows the best ideas come from a talented and diverse team being inclusive, and that our success rests on empowering our employees. Built on a diversity of ideas, GF fosters a culture of trust and innovation that is vital to our company and the chip industry. Our people have a strong passion for new technologies and advanced manufacturing, as we continue our Industry 4.0 Digitalisation journey.

At GF, environmental sustainability is imperative. From our energy-efficient fabs to stringent emission controls, GF has a proven track record of environmentally responsible manufacturing and operations. We are committed to our Journey to Zero Carbon goal to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, as the company expands its global manufacturing capacity.

Job roles

Be a part of our global team that is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge global technology solutions. We are seeking candidates in various areas including:

• Process Engineers and Technicians

• Automation Engineers and Technicians

• Production Operators

Application period(s)

• Health and Safety Specialists

• Logistics and Supply Chain Roles

• IT and Desktop Support Roles

Graduate jobs: All year round Internships: All year round

GlobalFoundries

60 Woodlands Industrial, Park D Street

2, Singapore 738406 Web https://gf.com/careers/ Email sgtalentacquisition@ globalfoundries.com @GlobalFoundries APAC @globalfoundries.singapore @GlobalFoundries

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing available

Income Insurance Limited (Income) is one of the leading composite insurers in Singapore, offering life, health and general insurance.

Established in Singapore in 1970 to plug a social need for insurance, Income continues to serve the protection, savings and investment needs of individuals, families and businesses today. Its lifestyle-centric and data-driven approach to insurance and financial planning puts Income at the forefront of innovative solutions that empowers better financial well- being for all.

For more information, please visit www. income. com.sg.

Income

75 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189557 Web https://www.income.com.sg/ careers

@IncomeInsurance

@Income

Sector(s)

• Insurance and Risk Management

Jobs available

Graduate job Internship

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media.

To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities and enhancing Singapore’s ICM infrastructure.

IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Application periods

Graduate jobs: All year round Internships: August – September and January – February

Infocomm Media Development Authority

10 Pasir Panjang Road, #03-01, Mapletree Business City, Singapore 117438

Tel (+65) 6377 3800

Web imda.gov.sg/careers

Email careers@imda.gov.sg

IMDAsg

IMDAsg

IMDAsg

IMDAsg

IMDAsg

Sectors

• IT and Technology

• Media and Advertising

• Public Sector

• Scientific Research and Development

Jobs available

Graduate job Internship

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma

Data is today’s new business currency. Memory and storage are emerging as strategic differentiators that will redefine how we extract value from data to learn, explore, communicate and experience.

As the leader in innovative memory solutions, Micron is transforming how the world uses information to enrich lives for all.

Through our global brands, we offer the industry’s broadest portfolio of memory and storage technologies. Our solutions are purpose built to leverage the value of data to unlock financial insights, accelerate scientific breakthroughs and enhance communication around the world.

For over 40 years, our company has been instrumental to the world’s most significant technology advancements, delivering optimal memory and storage systems for a broad range of applications.

• Our innovations fuel the data economy in key growth markets, enabling advances in key areas including artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G applications.

• Our data centre focus serves cloud service provider customers as well as traditional enterprise compute environments. In the intelligent edge, we drive innovation across industrial, automotive and communications networks.

• Our focus extends to client PCs and mobile platforms.

Job roles

Visit our career page to find out more about the opportunities in Micron.

Application period(s)

Graduate jobs: All year round. Apply early to secure your position!

Internships:

Summer Intern: May – August

Semester Intern: August – December January – May

Micron Technology

1 North Coast Drive, Singapore 757432

1 Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 1, Singapore 738799

990 Bendemeer Road, Singapore 339942 Tel 1800 270 1010

Web www.micron.com/careers

Email sgjobs@micron.com @MicronSingapore @we_are_micron @MicronTechnology @MicronTech @MicronTechnology

Sector(s)

• Engineering, Design and Manufacturing

• IT and Technology

Jobs available

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees