Internet security solutions provider F-Secure Malaysia has concluded its 30-hour Hackathon challenge with more than 30 participants having developed impressive internet security apps and learning more about F-Secure’s Application Programming Interface (API)s and security systems.
“We have previously organized many such Hackathons internally in our offices across the globe, but this year we decided to open it to local developers so that they too could share their ideas and contribute to the betterment of online security,” said Klas Kindström, Senior Manager, New Innovation, R&D Services.
The Hackathon kicked off at 10am on Friday, 12 April 2013 at Wisma F-Secure, Bangsar South. Participating developers were first introduced to F-Secure’s technology and concepts. Teams were then formed to work on new applications, which were expected to drive innovation of Safe Web Apps to the next level.
The developers were given full access to F-Secure’s APIs and development tools as well as information such as network reputation, virus alerts and malware information, which served as an excellent platform for the talented developers to showcase their programming skills and quickly turn their ideas into reality.
The Hackathon session continued throughout the rest of the day and into Saturday, and concluded 13 April 2013 at 2:00PM. The developers, working either individually or in groups, then demonstrated their newly developed applications to a judging panel comprised of F-Secure’s lead engineers, software architects and an external representative from MIMOS Berhad. Applications ranged from online browser plugins to smartphone and web based applications.
Prizes were awarded to three applications. Developer Liew Swee Meng won the award for ‘The Most Unexpected Demo Effect’ with
his 3D Globe application followed by duo Fatin Ruzanna and Francis Fueconcillo, who both walked away with the award for ‘The Best Use of F-Secure’s APIs. Both developers amazed the crowd with an application which monitors malicious tweets on Twitter.
Finally, young developer Tan Kok Boon stole the spotlight with his groundbreaking application which allows users to monitor and prevent threats using F-Secure’s World Map Interface. Tan won the award for ‘The Most Innovative Application’ and the award for ‘The Best Overall Performance’ which entitles him to a luxurious dinner with Mikko Hyppönen, internationally acclaimed Computer Security Expert, Columnist, Malware Researcher and Chief Research Officer (CRO) of F-Secure Corporation.
“We wanted to offer something more than just merchandise and cash prizes. That is why the grand prize is an opportunity for local developers to learn from Mikko, exchange ideas and perhaps develop some new ones in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. To be able to spend time with Mikko is indeed an opportunity not to be missed,” said Markus Melin, Director, R&D Operations, F-Secure Corporation.
“I am still in a state of shock! My biggest wish is to fully develop my application and contribute to the world. I am ecstatic to be able to dine with Mikko and learn from him,” said Tan.
F-Secure is an internet security firm based in Helsinki, Finland and recently won the AV-TEST Best Protection Award for 2012 from the reputable AV-Test Institute. The award is presented to the best antivirus product of the year, taking into account protection against malware infections caused by the latest threats.
“It’s been a great 25 years and we are looking forward to exciting years ahead. Winning the award reaffirms our team’s hard work to maintain our leading position in security software and we hope to recruit the best talent in Malaysia to further develop our company to greater heights,” added Jari Heinonen, Vice President of Asia Pacific Region, F-Secure Corporation.
For more information about F-Secure Malaysia and their services, please visit http://www.f-secure.com or call 603 2264 0200. You can also connect with F-Secure through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FSecure and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/fsecure.
