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Leeds already has a Computing Society that does excellent work, but computer science is a huge field, and cyber security is only one part of it. Understandably, there are very few events dedicated to cyber security, so students who are passionate about it have nowhere to go to meet each other, practise their skills or learn from people in the industry. This matters even more because the Computer Science course at Leeds offers limited teaching on cyber security, so students who want to build these skills have to learn them on their own. Cyber security awareness is also no longer just for computer science students. In a world where everyone banks online, uses social media and stores their data in the cloud, it's relevant to every student, whatever they study. Many other universities have their own dedicated cyber security societies, and we want University of Leeds students to have the same opportunity. 

This is also something I experienced first hand. During my placement year in cyber security, I looked for communities to join in Leeds and found meetups like DC151, which hosts informal talks in a pub setting. They're a great resource, but in my experience this is true of most cyber security communities, they are made up mostly of experienced professionals, which makes it hard for someone just starting out to connect with people at a similar stage. Students and beginners need a space of their own, where they can learn side by side with peers and build the confidence and knowledge to join wider industry communities like DC151 later on.

The society would give members:

- Practical, hands-on skills through CTFs, workshops and challenges that go beyond what's covered in lectures

Industry connections through guest talks from professionals already working in cyber security.

- Career preparation through conference-style internal talks, a public blog of writeups that works as a portfolio, and experience representing the university in external CTF competitions. 

- A community, with socials and teamwork, for anyone interested in cyber security, including students outside computing who are curious about the field.

- and many more