Department of Computer Science

Cyber Security

Master of Science ETH/EPFL

Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL 3

Information is both valuable and critical. The potential for

abuse is enormous and so is the need for information
security. But how do we work out if a system or network
is secure? Do we need to know how an attacker thinks
in order to build a solid defence? Is there such a thing as
perfect encryption? Will quantum computing change
the game? How does logical science deal with the irrational
phenomenon of trust? And how do we put all this
into practice without complicating rightful use? In the field
of cyber security, we are not done yet. In fact, we are
likely just at the beginning.
4 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

Contents

14

10

6 14
Compelling arguments: Cyber Security at ETH Zurich Further Master’s programmes
A profound and in-depth education to train the experts Three more Master’s programmes cover promising fields
of tomorrow. of study.

7 15
What the professors say Professional outlook and career opportunities
“Security has become an integral part of all the technology Life after graduation: excellent prospects and a diversity
that we use today.” of roles.

8 16
The Department of Computer Science (D-INFK) Five voices
A faculty with a top reputation. Students and alumni share their experiences.

10 18
Master’s programme From science to business
Introduction to the structure and course categories. Three examples of successful knowledge transfer to the
economy.
Contents 5

20

16

20
ETH Zurich
Where Albert Einstein once studied and taught.

21
Campus life
Living and studying in Switzerland’s largest city, located
by Lake Zurich and close to the mountains.

22
Who? What? Where?
Useful information and contacts for prospective students.
6 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

Compelling arguments:
Cyber Security at ETH Zurich
The joint-degree Master's programme in cyber security trains the experts
of tomorrow and offers a profound and in-depth education at one of the
world’s leading universities. A mandatory semester at ETH Zurich’s sister
university, EPFL, completes this unique study experience.

Starting point for future experts security networks, cyber-physical systems and ap-
Today, information technology is integral to both the plications.
economy and society as a whole. Unfortunately, this
has led to a sharp increase in security attacks on sys- The programme is linked to ETH Zurich’s own com-
tems, networks and software, thus making cyber se- petence centres such as the Institute of Information
curity a more important topic than ever. Indeed, cyber Security, the Zurich Information Security Center (ZISC)
security is now essential to the expansion of technol- and the Risk Center. Each of these institutions main-
ogies and their acceptance by the information society. tains close contacts with industry, local research
centres of international companies as well as with the
Beyond enhancing existing systems, security tech- authorities, the police, and the military.
nologies further enable new applications and have
transformative effects on society by redefining and Thanks to all these connections and collaborations,
challenging trust relationships and assumptions. students profit from an encouraging environment
Moreover, security technologies are increasingly be- with plenty of opportunities to quickly participate in
coming business enablers. However, in order to select exciting projects. Some may even seize the chance to
the correct security strategy for a given situation and develop their entrepreneurial spirit by being part of
then implement it successfully, it is vital to possess one of ETH Zurich’s successful spin-off companies in
an in-depth understanding of the underlying concepts. the security sector.

Students of this intense two-year joint-degree Mas- Unique study environment

ter’s programme learn to develop solutions for urgent Studying at ETH Zurich is a unique experience. It is
security problems in computer systems, networks and a highly stimulating place with a friendly, coopera-
their applications. They acquire the foundations of how tive and respectful atmosphere that brings together
to engineer a secure and future-proof information in- students from all over the world. Two campus loca-
frastructure and what is needed to promote trust. tions, both distinguished by their prominent position
and modern infrastructures, are the perfect place
The job market and career opportunities for cyber for learning, research, and leisure. Professional ad-
security graduates are excellent. Expertly trained ministrative teams help students get started, provide
security professionals are in high demand across all individual student counselling and give out academic
sectors and larger companies are increasingly using advice. Committed student associations and commis-
their expertise in strategic projects. sions offer support during learning and exam periods,
help people connect, and contribute to a diverse and
Learning from the best inspiring culture. ■
The study programme is closely connected to the
world-class research groups of ETH Zurich’s Depart-
ment of Computer Science and the School of Computer
and Communication Sciences (IC) at EPFL, the Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. The re-
search and teaching carried out at the department
cover the whole spectrum of cyber security, from the
mathematical foundations of cryptography to build-
ing solutions and dealing with pressing problems in
What professors say 7

Shweta Shinde
Professor of Secure and Trustworthy Systems
“Security has become an integral part of all the technology that
we use today. Studying theoretical and practical security
aspects from the ground up is essential for safeguarding existing
technology, building new secure systems, and identifying
emerging threats. This Master’s programme provides students
with a solid foundation in security, thus empowering them
to become effective practitioners and researchers.”

Kenneth Paterson
Professor of Applied Cryptography
“Cryptography sits at the intersection of computer science and
mathematics. It provides an underpinning science for the
secure handling of data – whether that be data in communication,
data at rest or data under computation. At ETH Zurich, we
connect the science with the real world, studying how to make
cryptography practical and secure to use in a broad range
of applications, from online banking to secure cloud services.
Our Master’s programme provides a deep dive into this
fascinating topic, covering both theoretical and practical aspects
of the subject.”

Adrian Perrig
Professor of Network Security
“With the rapid evolution of technologies, security continues
to be intertwined with many aspects of our infrastructure
and applications. Studying security thus continues to be
an exciting topic for ensuring properties such as reliability,
privacy or confidentiality of our data.”
8 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

A department of
international renown
Founded in 1981, the Department of Computer Science (D-INFK) today holds
a leading position worldwide. For the joint-degree Master’s programme
in cyber security, the department joins forces with its younger sister, the School
of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC) at EPFL, located in Lausanne.
The Department of Computer Science 9

Pioneering mission
It is no exaggeration to say that, since its
establishment, the Department of Com-
puter Science at ETH Zurich has made an
impact that has been felt far beyond the
perimeter of the Zurich campus. Dedicat-
ed to undertaking basic research, the de-
partment develops reliable, efficient and
secure computer and IT solutions for use
in society, industry and science. More-
over, while its main focus is on training
computer scientists at the highest level,
the department also provides computer
science foundations to students of other
disciplines, offers continuing education
programmes and contributes to the high
quality of general computer science edu-
cation in local schools. It thus makes an
important contribution to the excellence
of education in society as a whole. While
maintaining longstanding, traditional ties
with electrical engineering and mathemat- Strong research and business network Computer Science at EPFL:
ics, department researchers increasingly The department maintains strong ties School of Computer and Communication
interact with other disciplines including with a wide network of top universities Sciences (IC)
physics, mechanical engineering and the around the globe. Close cooperation with EPFL’s computer and communication
life sciences. In addition, the department scientists abroad is an integral part of its sciences department is a global center for
collaborates with numerous external cen- research culture. This offers exciting pros- education and research that is shaping the
tres and labs when developing certain top- pects for students: they are able to enjoy future of computing, the technology that is
ics, as part of joint research programmes lectures from international experts and changing the world. Located in Lausanne
or during outreach activities. Latest ex- experience collaborative learning with stu- on beautiful lake Geneva, the IC School
amples include the ETH AI Center and the dents from the best foreign universities. seeks world-changing breakthroughs and
Cyber Defence Campus. The department also participates in inten- the widespread diffusion and adoption of
sive research collaborations with global its innovations. It puts ethical and public
A faculty of global standing IT players and research centres, such as policy considerations at the center of its
More than 45 professors from all over the DisneyResearch|Studios, Microsoft, IBM, education and research agendas. The va-
world conduct their research and teach SAP and Google, and with financial service riety of courses at EPFL complement those
at the Department of Computer Science companies such as ZKB and SIX. Findings at ETH Zürich.
at ETH Zurich. They are among the best from such research flow directly into
in their field and span the many facets teaching. ic.epfl.ch
of modern computer science, from the
underlying theory to the design and con- Outstanding infrastructure
struction of practical systems. Boasting ETH Zurich offers state-of-the-art learn-
a consistently high international ranking, ing facilities, a modern infrastructure and
the department is widely considered to highly qualified employees. One of its key
be one of the best places in the world in strengths is the technology platforms that
which to study and undertake research in make specialist tools accessible. For in-
computer science. Three hundred doctoral stance, in the department’s Computer
students and 110 post-doctoral and senior Graphics Laboratory students can work
researchers contribute to maintaining the with novel three-dimensional scanning
department’s high level of teaching and re- technology developed at ETH Zurich. Stu-
search. Around 1,400 Bachelor’s and 800 dents working on simulations and big data
Master’s students currently benefit from have access to its high-performance com-
this excellent academic environment. puting clusters, and for largescale projects
it is even possible to access the Swiss Na-
tional Supercomputing Centre.

www.inf.ethz.ch
10 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL
Programme overview 11

A high-grade programme for

future cyber security experts
The Master of Science in Cyber Security programme provides expert education
from leading lecturers in the field of cyber security. This joint programme is
offered by ETH Zurich in collaboration with EPFL.

Who can apply? The Master’s programme is divided into several course catego-
ries. The minimum number of credits required for completing the
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or degree are listed in the fields of the course categories. Several
must have graduated with distinction from a related field such as course categories are nested to provide more flexibility, since the
electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or math- minimum number of credits required within subordinate course
ematics. A strong background in both practical and theoretical categories do not always add up to the minimum number of cred-
topics from computer science and mathematics is required. Ad- its required for the superordinate course category. The remaining
missions decisions are based on the curriculum of the applicant’s credits can therefore be distributed freely over all subordinate
Bachelor’s programme, the level of mastery reached in each sub- course categories.
ject, their personal statement of purpose, their GRE (Graduate
Record Examination) general test scores, the submitted reference Master ETH Zurich – EPFL in Computer Science
letters and the reputation of their graduating university, among Major in Cyber Security 120
other factors. For further details, candidates should refer to the Core Courses and Electives in Cyber Security 28
admissions website.
Core Courses 16
Core Electives
Seminar2
Curriculum structure
Core Courses and Electives in a Minor 18
Duration: 4 semesters Core Courses 8
ECTS credits: 120 Core Electives
Language: English
Degree: Master of Science ETH Zurich – EPFL in Inter Focus Courses 16
Computer Science Major in Cyber Security
Semester Project 12

Students enrolled in the programme at ETH Zurich spend one Free Electives
mandatory semester at EPFL, and vice versa.
Science in Perspective 2
This two-year Master’s programme provides a thorough education Master’s Thesis 30
and features a broad set of courses covering all areas of cyber
security. To complement these subjects, students choose an ad-
ditional area in computer science as a minor subject. A semester
project and the Master’s thesis provide students with an oppor-
tunity to apply their knowledge and skills.

Given the wide range of courses available and the flexible struc-
ture of the curriculum, students enjoy a large degree of freedom
to customise their study plan according to their own interests.
12 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

Course categories semi-structured/graph data management systems. In terms of

computing platforms, the track covers implementations ranging
The courses listed below constitute a snapshot of what is current- from single nodes to entire data centres, with a special emphasis
ly on offer; however, they are subject to change. Up-to-date course placed on cloud computing. The track is organised to provide an
offerings can be viewed online in the ETH Zurich course catalogue. in-depth look into data management systems via core courses,
and to connect students, via elective courses, with relevant sub-
jects closely related to modern data management systems.
Core courses and electives in cyber security
The Master’s in Cyber Security programme combines theory with Core courses:
hands-on practice to provide students with a well-rounded edu- – Big Data
cation. The core courses form the basis of the programme and – Data Management Systems
are aimed at imparting essential knowledge in the field of cyber – Cloud-Based Data Processing
security, and ensure that each student attains a high level of com-
petence in this field.
Elective courses:
– Advanced Machine Learning
Core courses:
– System Security
– Applied cryptography
– Deep Learning
– Security engineering
– Design of Parallel and High-Performance Computing
– System security
– Informal Methods
– Network security
– Advanced Operating Systems
– Future Internet
Elective courses: – Systems for Machine Learning
– Cryptographic protocols
– Program analysis for system security and reliability
– Formal methods for information security
2. Machine Intelligence
– Digital signatures
Machine Intelligence pursues the goal of automatically creating
– Advanced topics in communication networks
models and design inference and decision procedures based on
– Hardware security
empirical evidence, i.e. data and human-provided knowledge.
– Applied security laboratory
Notions of generalisation and learnability determine central
– Security of wireless networks
conceptional challenges. Different modes of learning – including
supervised, weakly supervised, unsupervised, online and adap-
Seminars tive learning – are studied through a rigorous mathematical and
Seminars serve to train students in how to read and understand statistical framework.
scientific publications. They usually build on previously attended
lectures and promote active discussion among participants. Semi- The interplay of statistical estimation and computation touches
nars often cover recent developments in a particular subject, such on hardware architectures for machine learning, machine per-
as systems security or cryptography, and provide an interesting ception, high-performance computation and efficient information
way to learn about cutting-edge research. systems. An important aspect consists of developing intelligent
systems that can cope with unstructured real-world data.

Core courses and electives in minor subjects Core courses:

Students must choose one area of computer science (other than – Advanced Machine Learning
information security) as a minor subject in order to fulfil the min- – Deep Learning
imum number of credits required. The remaining credits can be – Probabilistic Artificial Intelligence
distributed freely over other minor subjects and their associated – Machine Perception
courses. – Optimisation in Data Science

1. Data Management Systems

Elective courses:
Modern data management involves a wide variety of systems and
– Natural Language Processing
functionality that form the basis of any software endeavour. From
– Computational Biomedicine
machine learning to websites, from electronic commerce to the
– Reliable and Interpretable Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things, any modern application involves the manage-
– Advanced Algorithms
ment of large amounts of data.
– Computer Vision
– Statistical Learning Theory
This track covers the design, development, use, operation and
– Machine Learning for Health Care
application of data-management systems, including relational
– 3D Vision
database engines, data streaming engines, key value stores,
– Machine Learning Guarantees
noSQL, Spark/Hadoop and other big data platforms, as well as
Course categories 13

3. Visual and Interactive Computing

Elective courses:
The digital processing of visual information has become a core
– Algorithmic Game Theory
topic in modern computer science and information technology.
– Probabilistic Methods in Combinatorics
Building on theoretical foundations from computer science and
– Mathematical Optimisation
applied mathematics, visual computing is central to a diverse ar-
– Geometric Tomography
ray of application domains: image generation and analysis, com-
– Cryptographic Protocols
putational photography, modelling and control of robotic systems,
– Approximation and Online Algorithms
virtual and augmented reality, computational fabrication, user
– Algorithmics for Hard Problems
interfaces, interaction techniques and interactive devices, and
more.

Methodologically, visual computing is rooted in computer graph- Interfocus courses

ics, algorithmic geometry, and digital image processing and com- The interfocus courses cover cross-cutting computer science top-
puter vision. Strong conceptual and algorithmic links to compu- ics that are of central importance beyond cyber security and the
tational sciences and machine learning provide visual computing chosen minor subject. They teach algorithmic reasoning – from
with the tools that are necessary to solve large-scale visualisation real-world problems to algorithmic modelling and implementa-
and inference problems. tion – and introduce students to advanced systems design issues.
The courses include:
Core courses:
– Computer Graphics – Algorithms Lab
– Computer Vision – Information Security Lab
– Shape Modelling and Geometry Processing – Computational Intelligence Lab
– Machine Perception – Advanced Systems Lab
– Computational Models of Motion for Character Animation
and Robotics Semester project
The semester project provides students with the opportunity to
Elective courses:
apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the course
– Physically-Based Simulation in Computer Graphics
of the degree. They can gain hands-on experience by independent-
– Mathematical Foundations of Computer Graphics and
ly solving a technical-scientific problem.
Vision
– 3D Vision
– Ubiquitous Computing Free elective courses
All Master’s level courses offered by ETH Zurich, EPFL and the
University of Zurich may be chosen as free elective courses. This
4. Theoretical Computer Science gives students the freedom to select from a huge variety of topics
The goal of theoretical computer science is to understand the and to broaden their interdisciplinary perspectives by gaining
fundamental concepts of computation and information, which is insights into other subjects and experiencing life at other uni-
comparable in spirit to the goal of physics: understanding funda- versities.
mental concepts like matter and energy.
Science in perspective
Topics include models of computation (from automata theory to
quantum computers), algorithms and data structures, computa- Science in perspective is an integral part of the curriculum. Stu-
bility and computational complexity theory, information theory, dents learn to understand and critically question the correlations
and cryptography. Randomness is a core concept that spans all between scientific knowledge, technological innovations, cultural
areas of theoretical computer science. contexts, individuals and society. Students have a free choice of
two credits from the Department of Humanities, Social and Polit-
Core courses: ical Sciences (D-GESS).
– Randomised Algorithms and Probabilistic Methods
– Advanced Machine Learning Master’s thesis
– Geometry: Combinatorics and Algorithms
– Advanced Algorithms The Master’s thesis demonstrates that students are able to use
– Data Science Optimisation the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their Master’s
– Advanced Graph Algorithms and Optimisation studies to solve a complex cyber security problem. ■
14 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

Further Master’s programmes

As an alternative to the Master of Science in Cyber Security described

in this brochure, Bachelor's graduates can choose from three other
Master's programmes offered by the Department of Computer Science
in cooperation with other departments.

Consecutive:

Master of Science ETH in Computer Science

The general Master’s in Computer Science is a broad programme with five different ma-
jors. Its structure allows students to choose from a variety of courses and to tailor the
curriculum to meet their particular interests, needs and goals. The objective is to help
students to receive an in-depth education in their field of choice while also becoming
creative and efficient problem-solvers in the general domain of computer science. The
Master’s programme in computer science is offered by the Department of Computer
Science (D-INFK) at ETH Zurich.

 www.inf.ethz.ch/master-cs

With admission:

Master of Science ETH in Data Science

Computers have fundamentally changed the way we produce, manage, process and an-
alyse data. In light of the continuous growth of data all around the globe, the question of
how we can use it to gain valuable insights is more important than ever. How can relevant
information be extracted from the massive amounts of data generated on a daily basis?
In which ways can computers learn from experience to make intelligent decisions? These
questions are key to the specialised data science Master’s programme, which is jointly
run by the Departments of Mathematics (D-MATH), Information Technology and Electrical
Engineering (D-ITET), and Computer Science (D-INFK) at ETH Zurich.

www.inf.ethz.ch/data-science

Master of Science ETH in Robotics, Systems and Control

The development of intelligent robots and systems requires knowledge in diverse areas
of expertise. It raises fundamental questions on how best to design, model and control
complex and highly interactive systems. Bridging the gap between various engineering
disciplines, this programme offers students a unique learning environment and a multi-
disciplinary education that will enable them to develop innovative and intelligent products
and systems to meet today’s most pressing challenges: energy supply, the environment,
health care and mobility. This specialised programme is offered jointly by the Depart-
ments of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), Information Technology and
Electrical Engineering (D-ITET), and Computer Science (D-INFK) at ETH Zurich.

 www.master-robotics.ethz.ch
Life after graduation 15

Professional outlook and

career opportunities
ETH graduates enjoy an excellent reputation both in Switzerland and worldwide.
After completing their studies, cyber security graduates can expect to work in
exciting roles in both industry and academic research around the world.

Excellent prospects Entrepreneurial potential

With the penetration of information technology into all areas of Some computer scientists dream of founding their own company.
life, the growing complexity of platforms and networks, and the To this end, ETH Zurich and its associated organisations offer
increasing amount of decentralised data storage, cyber threats students a wide range of courses and programmes to help them
have grown exponentially. At the same time, attacks are becoming acquire the necessary knowledge and contacts for self-employ-
ever more complex and challenging to defend against. ment during their degree. Over the years, numerous former ETH
computer scientists have established start-ups and ETH spin-
These trends have led to a massive increase in demand for cyber offs in the security field, such as Anapaya Systems, 3db-access,
specialists over the last few years. Cyber security graduates can Xorlab, Bug Bounty Hub, Futurae, ChainSecurity and FortIT.
expect to enjoy excellent opportunities on the job market through-
out all industries. After a few years gaining professional experi- A scientific career
ence, they can look forward to getting fascinating and responsible Master's graduates who discover their passion for science during
jobs as experts or in leading positions. their studies can apply for a doctoral programme, either in one of
the internationally renowned research groups of the Department
A diversity of roles of Computer Science or at another prestigious university. ■
The field of IT security is broad. In general, cyber security spe-
cialists help protect an organisation’s information, data, networks
and processes against attacks from cyber space and play a role in
managing the recovery process when security incidents do occur.
To fulfil their mission, experts with a wide range of skills such as
IT security consultants, security architects, security engineers
and security software developers work closely together.

Moreover, as the risk of abuses that can potentially significant-

ly damage the economy and society increases, the need for and
importance of cyber experts and IT forensic analysts working
for the authorities, the police or military defence is also rising
exponentially.

Protecting critical infrastructures

from cyber attacks is becoming
increasingly important.
16 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

What students and alumni say

The student body is as international and diverse as the faculty,

guaranteeing a stimulating study experience. Cyber security
graduates can expect to work in exciting roles around the world.

Elisa Guerrant, 22
American, student
“Cyber security is unique compared to other areas of computer science
because it is so closely intertwined with social dynamics, politics,
mathematics, technology and many other areas, resulting in complex
and multi-dimensional problems that can be approached from
many different angles. Very few schools offer cyber security degrees
at the Master’s level – but ETH Zurich is one of them. It has a great
selection of cyber security classes so that students can choose whether
they want to focus on a certain area or study a wide variety of topics.”

Fabian Zeindler, 32
Swiss, Lead Engineer Web Security
at Open Systems
“From software engineering to consulting, through to actual
hacking or even hardware engineering, cyber security
is needed everywhere. I enjoy my work because it also involves
scalability, reliability and operational practicability, in
addition to security. This brings my team and me into contact
with an array of different concepts and technologies.
The threats are constantly evolving, which means it never gets
repetitive or boring. ETH Zurich gave me the perfect
toolkit for the job: a broad knowledge base and state-of-the-art
cyber security expertise, plus adaptive and creative
problem-solving skills. And the great friendships that developed
over the course of my studies have been just as important.”
Quotes from students and alumni 17

Annika Glauser, 26
Swiss, Security Engineer at ti&m
“My job is exactly what I wanted: its primary focus is on security,
I get to work with servers and networks and I am part of a specialised
team shaped by close collaboration. My team is responsible for
integrating security infrastructure into various projects. We’re also the
first line of defence against attacks. I am learning a lot and have
already had the opportunity to take the lead on the security aspect of
certain projects.”

Karim Kabbani, 22
Swiss, student
“Cyber security feels like a game of chess. Whether you are playing offensively
or defensively, you need to be good at both. I was interested in this field
from the moment I started studying computer science and my interest has
only grown stronger over the course of my studies. ETH Zurich offers
courses on every aspect of cyber security and the professors are experts in
their fields. This gives students a chance to work on interesting research
projects. After I complete my studies, my dream is to join a large IT company
and to contribute to something that could make a big impact on society.”

Christian Knabenhans, 23
Swiss, student
“Pursuing my Master’s in cyber security at ETH Zurich allowed
me to gain a broad understanding of cyber security.
The courses cover both established paradigms and the latest
state-of-the-art developments in many areas, from
high-level theoretical models to the security of real, tangible
systems and protocols. The cyber security Master’s
students form a tight-knit community, which can really help
you learn more efficiently and broaden your knowledge.”
18 Cyber Security  Master of Science ETH/EPFL

From science to business

Sometimes students develop an innovative product To date, around 500 spin-offs have been created at
idea while undertaking university research. When this ETH Zurich. Members of the Department of Computer
happens, ETH Zurich supports them in their efforts to Science have founded almost 50 of these.
transfer research results to industry, for example by
licensing them to external companies or by supporting ETH Zurich offers its spin-off entrepreneurs valua-
the researchers as they set up their own company. ble business advice, provides them with premises at
a discounted rate and supports them in establishing
important and useful contacts.

3db-access:
burglar-proof car locking system

Nowadays, most cars can be unlocked practically by radio,

without having to insert a car key. Such locking systems via
ultra-wideband communication carry the risk that thieves
can relay the correct signal and break into the car without
the key actually being nearby. Founded in 2013, the ETH
spin-off 3db-access has developed solutions providing
secure ranging that simultaneously ensure minimal pow-
er consumption and thus a long battery life. Software and
digital circuits are used to achieve protection, and even the
smallest deviations are registered by their burglar-proof
locking system. Today, several major car manufacturers
use 3db applications in their cars.

The 3db-access system is a practical application of the

results of scientific research carried out by ETH Zurich in
the field of distance bounding. 3db’s CEO and co-founder,
Boris Danev, holds a doctoral degree from the Department
of Computer Science.

www.3db-access.com
ETH spin-offs 19

ChainSecurity:
audits and services for blockchain
security

Back in 2016, at the dawn of the Wild West of cryptocur-

rency crowdfunding, an attacker stole 150 million US dol-
lars’ worth of cryptocurrency by exploiting a vulnerability
in an Ethereum smart contract. This marked the moment
the public recognised the paramount importance of smart
contract security. Petar Tsankov, a senior researcher at
the Department of Computer Science, and his team created
the world’s first system able to mathematically prove that
smart contracts are secure. In 2017, the enormous popu-
larity of their work organically led to the incorporation of
the ETH spin-off ChainSecurity, which in just two years be-
came a world leader in smart contract security. In 2020 the Petar Tsankov, co-founder
company was acquired by PwC Switzerland to accelerate and chief scientist
market growth and product development.

www.chainsecurity.com

Futurae Technologies:
two-factor authentication for high
security

Claudio Marforio and Nikos Karapanos are both alumni of

the System Security Group and have conducted research
on cryptography, mobile and web security. Together with
Sandra Tobler, they co-founded Futurae Technologies, an
ETH spin-off.

Futurae Technologies was established in 2016 with the goal

of securing online access for everyone by using advanced
security solutions that do not compromise on the custom-
er experience. Futurae provides a modular authentication
and transaction confirmation platform for web, mobile and
future interfaces, such as smart speakers. The platform
enables complete customer flexibility as they seek to au-
thenticate their users, ranging all the way from hardware
and smartphone tokens to innovative adaptive authentica-
tion and fraud-detection systems that protect online bank-
ing portals from identity theft, malicious transactions, and
even social engineering attacks. Futurae’s customers are
renowned international companies in the financial servic-
es, health, education and public sectors.

www.futurae.com
20 A world-class university

ETH Zurich –
where the future begins

Where once Albert

Einstein studied and
taught: the Main
Building of ETH Zurich
is one of the city’s
landmarks.

Freedom and personal responsibility, an entrepreneurial spirit best universities of technology and natural sciences in the world
and openness to the world: Switzerland’s core values were also and as the leading university in its field in continental Europe.
central to the foundation of ETH Zurich. The roots of this technical
and scientific university go back to 1855, when the founders of Bright minds
modern Switzerland created this place of innovation and knowl- The 21 Nobel laureates who have studied, taught or conducted
edge. At ETH Zurich today, students find an environment that de- research at ETH Zurich underline the excellent reputation of the
mands independent thinking, while researchers enjoy a climate university. Among the prize winners are Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen
that inspires them to achieve excellence. Located at the heart of (1901), Albert Einstein (1921) and Kurt Wüthrich (2002). A Turing
Europe and part of a worldwide network, ETH Zurich develops Award, popularly labelled the Nobel Prize in Computer Science,
solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. was awarded to Niklaus Wirth (1984), one of the earliest computer
scientists and inventor of the Pascal programming language.
For the benefit of society
ETH Zurich currently has over 22,200 students from more than www.ethz.ch
120 countries, 4,200 of whom are doctoral candidates. More
than 540 professors teach and conduct research in the fields of
engineering, architecture, mathematics, natural sciences, sys- EPFL at a glance
tems-oriented sciences, management and social sciences. The Students enrolling in the Master’s programme in Zurich complete
findings and innovations of ETH Zurich researchers are incorpo- a mandatory semester at EPFL, ETH Zurich’s sister university.
rated into some of the fastest-growing and most promising sec- EPFL is Europe’s most cosmopolitan technical university equipped
tors of the Swiss economy: from IT, micro and nanotechnology to with state-of-the-art facilities. It welcomes students, professors
high-tech medicine. Each year, ETH applies for around 100 patents and collaborators of more than 120 nationalities. EPFL has both a
and 150 inventions. Around 500 spin-off companies have emerged Swiss and international vocation and focuses on three missions:
from the university. teaching, research and innovation.

Top rankings EPFL collaborates with an important network of partners, in-

ETH Zurich is an institution with regional and national roots that cluding other universities and colleges, secondary schools and
is fully integrated into the international academic community. It high schools, industry and the economy, political circles and the
measures itself in all respects against the world’s leading uni- general public, with the aim of having a real impact on society.
versities – from its education and research to its management. In
international rankings, ETH Zurich regularly features as one of the www.epfl.ch
Campus life 21

Living and studying in Switzerland

Everyday student life can be quite

stressful and demanding. This makes
it all the more important to have a
well-organised learning setting, a strong
social environment and a good balance
between study and leisure time.

Where quality of life and beauty meet

Switzerland is famous for its political and economic
stability, public safety and extraordinary beauty. Na-
tional institutions like schools, healthcare providers
and public transportation are of excellent quality.
Many Swiss people are multilingual and, especially
in the cities, English is often spoken. German is not
required for a Master’s programme at ETH, but a basic
knowledge will help when settling in.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city. It is truly interna-

tional and ethnically diverse, offering a modern life-
style and a vibrant nightlife. For many years, Zurich
has been ranked among the top cities in the world for
quality of life.

Centrally located with a view

ETH Zurich’s campuses are distinguished by their
central locations and are easily accessible by public
transport. The Zentrum campus, with its historic Main
Building, is within walking distance of the beautiful
old town, which is replete with restaurants, cafés, For brain, body and soul
museums and galleries. It is also close to a long prom- Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are part of the
enade next to the lake that stretches more than 30 km university’s culture. The Academic Sports Associa-
towards the mountains. tion Zurich (ASVZ) provides state-of-the-art athletic
facilities and over 120 different activities and sports,
A caring community including outdoors, utilising Switzerland’s beautiful
ETH provides a safe and pleasant environment that mountain and lake landscape.
contributes to an inspirational learning experience.
The university embraces diversity, and places strong www.ethz.ch/student-life
emphasis on values such as respectful interaction as
well as taking individual responsibility.
Student life at EPFL
To enable growth and learning outside the classroom, Located in Lausanne on beautiful lake Geneva, the
ETH students and their associations provide a wide main campus of EPFL is characterised by its sophis-
range of services for their peers. With networking ticated architecture with iconic flagship buildings
events, parties, barbecues, dance classes, the photo- such as the Rolex Learning Center or the ArtLab. An
graphy lab, music rooms, cultural and artistic projects active student life, cultural and sports activities and a
and the entrepreneur club, it is fair to say that there is wide range of catering options are ensured.
something for everyone.
www.epfl.ch/campus
22 Information and addresses

Who? What? Where?

Address Scholarships
ETH Zurich It is primarily the responsibility of students and their families to
Department of Computer Science finance their studies. If their means are insufficient, students may
Universitätstrasse 6, CAB file a scholarship request or apply for the Excellence Scholarship &
8092 Zurich Opportunity Programme.
Switzerland www.ethz.ch/scholarships

Director of Studies Student organisations

Contact via Studies Administration Office www.vis.ethz.ch
www.vseth.ethz.ch
Studies Administration Office www.ethz.ch/int-student-associations
General questions, administrative concerns and study counselling
[email protected] Committee for students without ETH Bachelor
vis.ethz.ch/moeb
Application and admission
Depending on the selected Master’s programme and where the Bache- Campus life
lor’s degree has been earned, a different admission process applies. www.ethz.ch/student-life
www.asvz.ch
Bachelor’s degree from ETH Zurich: www.gastro.ethz.ch
Some Master’s degree programmes require a formal application, while www.bqm-bar.ch
others permit direct registration.
Accommodation
Bachelor’s degree from other Swiss or foreign universities: www.wohnen.ethz.ch
All students from other Swiss or foreign universities must apply at the www.woko.ch
Admissions Office. www.marktplatz.ethz.ch
www.wgzimmer.ch
Before starting the admission process, please check your eligibility: www.students.ch
www.inf.ethz.ch/admission-cybsec www.homegate.ch
www.ronorp.net
Admissions Office
All information regarding the admission process is provided by the Social Media
Admissions Office. facebook.com/ETHInformatik
www.admission.ethz.ch twitter.com/csateth
youtube.com/ETHInformatik
Admission deadlines
First application window: Photo credits
1 November – 15 December p. 7: Paolo Emmanuele (top)
–R ecommended for all students p. 7, 16, 17, 19: Jonas Weibel
–C ompulsory for students who require a visa, regardless of whether p. 8: Ruth Erdt
they hold a Swiss or foreign Bachelor’s degree p. 9: EPFL Alain Herzog
–S tudents who wish to apply to the Excellence Scholarship & Opportu- p. 14: Alessandro Della Bella (bottom)
nity Programme / ETH D-INFK Scholarship p. 15: iStock
p. 18: 3db
Second application window: p. 19: Futurae Technologies (bottom)
1 April – 30 April p. 20, 21: ETH Zurich
–O nly available for students who do not require a visa or for students
who already hold a Swiss residence permit.

Dates are subject to change. Please visit the admission office website.

Financial information
ETH Zurich is committed to providing affordable education and,
in contrast to most other top universities, keeps tuition fees to a
minimum. Tuition and semester fees at ETH amount to around
CHF 800 per semester. In addition, it is estimated that students
spend CHF 16,000 to CHF 26,000 on study and living costs each year.
www.ethz.ch/financial
ETH Zurich
Department of Computer Science
Universitätstrasse 6, CAB
8092 Zurich
Switzerland

www.inf.ethz.ch

Publisher: ETH Zurich, Department of Computer Science

Project lead: Simona Bochsler, Sandra Herkle
Content: Simona Bochsler, Anna Ettlin,
Bernadette Gianesi, Sandra Herkle, Ralf Sasse
Concept & Design: Scholtysik & Partner
Design: Scholtysik & Partner
Print: Wolfensberger AG
1st edition 2021

© ETH Zürich, April 2021