Aesthetics of Cybersecurity

Date: Monday 26 June 2023

Time: 13:30-14:30

PETRAS is delighted to host an exciting discussion on the intersection of sociology, engineering and cybersecurity with Dr. Paul Kennedy from Qinetiq. In his talk, Paul will delve into his own research on the internalized criteria engineers use to make judgements and how these criteria are socially constructed and validated in the engineering environment. Drawing from Pierre Bourdieu’s work on the development of “taste,” Paul will explore how cyber professionals make aesthetic judgements and the implications of these judgements on the field of cybersecurity.

In particular, Paul will apply Bourdieu’s theoretical framework to cybersecurity and address questions such as: What constitutes the “field” of cybersecurity? What are the power relations within the field, and what forms of capital are being exchanged? How do cyber professionals apply their judgements about cybersecurity, and what criteria do they use? How are these criteria culturally transmitted, and what does it mean to be a cyber professional?

Dr Paul Kennedy is a Principal Cyber Security Consultant and Chartered Engineer with over 10 years of experience in operational cybersecurity. At QinetiQ, Paul has worked on cybersecurity for the F-35 combat jet and has worked with the MOD in developing novel cryptographic techniques and advising senior stakeholders on future developments in cryptography. A former RAF Officer, he has worked in military cyber and communications across the UK, NATO, and in the Falkland Islands. Describing himself as a recovering academic, he was previously an Engineering Degree Programme Leader at the University of Glasgow.

For joining details, please contact Claire Coulton (c.coulton@ucl.ac.uk).