Sandra Helps Ensure Safe AI Integration for the City of Bergen
As a child, Sandra Eide (25) spent a lot of time online. She was interested in gaming and actively involved in several online communities. This was where her interest in technology and cyber security began, eventually inspiring her to study how to stay safe in a digital world
Sandra first completed a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, specialising in E-business at Kristiania in Bergen.
– In E-business, you learn how to bridge the gap between people and technology. I found that really exciting, she says.
The programme also had a strong practical focus.
– You learn so much in such a short time! We worked on several projects with relevant companies, which gave us valuable insight into working life.
A passion for the technical side
She quickly realised that it was the technical side that truly captured her interest: computer technology, programming and the more advanced IT subjects.
– I found it really interesting to dive deeper into the technical aspects and understand what goes on behind the programmes we use every day.
That was when Sandra made up her mind. She wanted to pursue a Master's degree in Cyber Security.
– The lecturers were incredibly enthusiastic and genuinely interested in what we wanted to learn. We got to see how cyber security is applied in practice and worked extensively with both machine learning and artificial intelligence. It was relevant then, and it's even more relevant now.
This combination of cyber security, AI and practical projects would prove essential to the job she has today.
- Interested in exploring the technical side of IT? Find out more about our Master's degree in Cyber Security!
One of 20 selected from 1,100 applicants
Sandra started applying for jobs even before submitting her master's thesis. When she came across a position as a digitalisation adviser in the City of Bergen through Trainee Vest, she was intrigued.
– I was a little unsure at first, as it wasn't strictly a cyber security role. But I would get the opportunity to explore and develop AI solutions, and Trainee Vest offers a complete package, she explains.
There were around 1,100 applicants for just 20 positions, so the competition was pretty tough.
Today, she is part of a cohort of recent graduates from different academic backgrounds across Bergen.
– The best thing about the trainee programme is that it gives you the opportunity to gain experience in working life, develop your professional skills and build a social network across different fields. It's an incredibly valuable programme.
Competition for the positions is fierce.
– There were around 1,100 applicants for just 20 positions, so it was a pretty narrow selection process. That made receiving an offer even more exciting, she says.
Kristiania is a main partner of Trainee Vest, and every year, several Kristiania graduates secure their first relevant job through the programme.
Testing Microsoft's AI tools for the public sector
Sandra works at the Agency for Planning and Building Services in the City of Bergen.
– I assess and test AI-based solutions that could be used by the municipality, both for internal processes and services for residents. I research user needs, test solutions and evaluate security aspects: Are these solutions safe to use? she explains.
Her knowledge of cyber security and interest in AI both play an important role in her work.
– I conduct risk and vulnerability assessments and provide recommendations based on my expertise in cyber security. Right now, we're assessing the use of Microsoft Copilot, including the potential risks of integrating it into our systems.
She works across different disciplines within the agency while also developing her skills in tools such as Power BI and data-driven decision-making.
– The best thing about my job is the people. What an inclusive and wonderful team! I felt comfortable here from the very first moment. Everyone has been so helpful, and I've received an absolutely fantastic welcome.
Developed an app for TV 2
Her bachelor's project became an important turning point. Together with students specialising in front-end and mobile development, she developed an app for TV 2 in Bergen.
– We were an interdisciplinary team with a good gender balance, clearly defined responsibilities and excellent collaboration. I took on the role of project manager, while the others were extremely skilled on the technical side. We worked really well together across our different areas of expertise.
With a shared first year and several common courses, IT students get to know each other across specialisations.
– We had a really strong sense of community within our class, and many students took the initiative to connect across different master's programmes. This created not only a great academic environment, but also plenty of opportunities to socialise, Sandra says.
Master's thesis on AI and phishing
For her master's thesis, Sandra explored the intersection between cyber security and artificial intelligence.
– We investigated how AI affects the costs of phishing attacks for attackers. In short, how AI makes it cheaper and easier to carry out attacks, she explains.
Since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, phishing attacks have increased by 4,000%.
– In the past, fraudulent emails were often full of spelling mistakes and poor Norwegian. Now, attackers can use language models to create almost flawless messages.
For Sandra, this highlighted just how quickly the cyber threat landscape can change.
Since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, phishing attacks have increased by 4,000%.
– This makes it much harder to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent messages. Anyone can be fooled, even those of us who work in IT and security.
Sandra's advice for aspiring cyber security students
For anyone considering studying cyber security or information technology at Kristiania, Sandra has several practical tips.
– Attend lectures, get involved and talk to your lecturers. They're incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share their expertise. They can also become valuable references when you start applying for jobs, she says.
She also emphasises that cyber security is a field that never stands still.
– Cyber security is constantly evolving. You need to stay informed and keep your knowledge up to date independently. It's important to take initiative and get involved in the professional community.
For Sandra, this is precisely what keeps her motivated.
– I enjoy having difficult problems to solve. Both my studies and my job constantly present me with new challenges, and that's exactly how I like it.
