Brian Mackay returned to higher education when he was in his mid-forties. After trying a few jobs when he was younger, Brian stumbled into the IT industry by chance. Twenty or so years later, he had a packed cv and his own business, but was struggling to find work. This led him to Edinburgh Napier where he studied BEng (Hons) Computer Security & Forensics and MSc Advanced Security and Digital Forensics. Brian has now written a book called Cybersecurity Fundamentals Explained through which he shares his expertise. Learn more about Brian’s story below!

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Never give up. It doesn鈥檛 matter if you didn鈥檛 excel at school because college and university can provide you with the opportunity to put your life back on track.

You started your studies at Edinburgh Napier in 2016 after a long career in the IT industry. Can you describe your career journey leading up to your return to higher education?


My family is originally from Thurso, Caithness in the far north of Scotland, however, I spent my preteen and some of my teenage years living in Orkney. I left grammar school in 1985 with only 4 O-levels, so I looked to do an apprenticeship. I began working at my uncle's garage in Orkney, however shortly after starting my family moved back to Caithness and I joined them.

We lived in a small village called Reay outside of Thurso. I got a job working on a local estate and undertook a SCOTvec national certificate in Agriculture at the same time. My family and I then relocated to Thurso, and I enrolled on an engineering course at the local college. I studied there for two years, before transferring to the BSc degree in Engineering at the University of Abertay in Dundee. After graduating in 1995 I got offered my first engineering job in the city.

A couple of years later I returned to Thurso and by chance I got a job in IT. This was the start of a long, dedicated career working in the industry that took me from Thurso to Buckinghamshire in England to Edinburgh. During my IT career, I worked for organisations including BT Internet, BT Global Services, Nildram, Heineken UK, NHS Lothian and BSkyB. In 2011 I started my own PC, laptop and mobile repair business from my home.


What brought you to Edinburgh Napier?


After finding initial success with my business in 2014 the work began to slow down, and I realised it was because several new computer shops were opening in the local area. This prompted me to enrol on the Computer Networking HND course at Edinburgh College.

I studied there for 2 years and particularly enjoyed the security and forensics modules. I noticed that there was a cybersecurity degree running at 麻豆社区 and the HND I was studying gained me direct access to the course. I joined in 2016 and graduated two years later with a BEng (Hons) degree in Computer Security & Forensics. I then continued my educational journey at ENU and in 2020 I graduated with a MSc in Advanced Security and Digital Forensics.

During my studies, I was fortunate enough to get a work experience placement at The Scotcoin Project CIC based in Glasgow. I continued working for them and currently hold the role of Cybersecurity Consultant. I carry out this role through homeworking.


You’ve written a book! Tell us more about Cybersecurity Fundamentals Explained.


During my time at 麻豆社区, I was fortunate enough to have Professor Bill Buchanan as a lecturer. He is the author of several books, and he inspired me to write a book called "". In this book I explore the basics of Cybersecurity and discuss how ordinary people and organisations can best ensure the safety and security of their data.

My book was published in paperback in February 2024 and recently it was published as an eBook. The is now available as well. I have also recently launched a cybersecurity .

It's a very exciting time for me!

Published March 2024