Since he joined in 2021 as a Security Analyst Intern, Utsav has now become a full-time member of our team. Read on to find out why he chose Riscure for his master’s internship assignment, things he worked on, and what the working culture at Riscure is like.
Which study did you follow?
During my thesis, I was a master’s student at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam / University van Amsterdam and followed the Computer Security Program.
What was the topic of your research?
My internship focused on comparing faults in pre-silicon and post-silicon stages of hardware development and determining the accuracy with which we can predict them.
How did Riscure support you in carrying out the research?
Riscure provided exceptional support throughout my research by offering access to cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and resources. I learned a lot from my mentors, who guided me through the process, shared their knowledge, and taught me innovative thinking.
What is your impression of the Riscure team and culture?
My impression of the Riscure team and culture is incredibly positive. The team members at Riscure are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also friendly and approachable. The culture promotes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and inclusivity, creating a very stimulating environment. This encouraging work environment at Riscure played a pivotal role during my thesis and helped me complete it on time.
What do you like the most about working at Riscure?
When I just joined, the team was much smaller. Covid restrictions made it more difficult to reach the office and access labs. However, the way the Riscure team handled the situation is something I highly appreciate. I was able to get all the tools and knowledge I required almost instantly. The constant encouragement and regular progress checks helped me to stay on track. In all, I really liked the caring nature and the working environment that Riscure has been able to cultivate.
What made you choose Riscure for your internship assignment?
I knew about Riscure from the time when Riscure launched RHme3 CTF. The amount of technical know-how required to win the challenge was staggering. YouTubers such as LiveOverflow, etc. all attempted it and couldn’t complete it fully. I was fascinated by the effort put into designing these challenges and wanted to meet the people who worked on that. My teaching assistant at Vrije Universiteit had already worked here and only had nice things to say about the organization. Once I started looking for internships, I learned a bit more about Riscure and decided that this would be a perfect opportunity to meet some of the most amazing minds in the device security domain while developing my own hacking skills.
What is the most memorable thing about working at Riscure?
One of the most memorable things about working at Riscure is undoubtedly the satisfaction of completing my thesis. The journey to achieve this milestone was challenging, but thanks to the support of my mentors, I was able to complete it with success. Together with my mentors, we had regular brainstorming sessions, which were nothing short of amazing. They were not only informative but also intense, leaving me excited about the upcoming tasks and brimming with newfound knowledge.
As my internship progressed, I started to take part in regular meetups. These gatherings proved to be a lifeline during a time when everything seemed to be locked down due to the pandemic. As a student who spent the majority of their time indoors, these meetups offered a breath of fresh air and something to look forward to. We shared fun anecdotes and vented our frustrations, but, more importantly, we got to see what the others within the organization were working on and gain valuable insights from their experiences.
Who should consider doing an internship at Riscure?
Anyone with a passion for advanced device security for embedded systems, and a desire to work in a dynamic and supportive environment. The organization offers a unique opportunity to learn from true experts, access to cutting edge tools and the ability to choose the thesis topic that you actually care about.
What inspires you in your work?
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving field of device security. The constant challenge to stay ahead of threats, develop innovative attacks, and work on some of the more intriguing projects (such as hacking a drone or evaluating the security of a truck) motivates me to continuously research and contribute to overall security of devices we use every day. Working at Riscure has reinforced my passion for security and inspired me to continue innovating and thinking out of the box.
Looking for an internship in the device security domain? At Riscure, we’re always on the lookout for new interns! Read more and apply here.