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Final year projects choice

Hi, I am final year undergraduate computer science student interested in cyber security. I am stuck between these two ideas.

1) Implement a secure messaging app with python and test attack with Kali.

2) Build a vulnerable lab in virtual box and perform full Kali attack.

Are these ideas feasible for my final year project proposal and report.

Any guidance is welcome.

Reply 1

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Jenson602

Hi, I am final year undergraduate computer science student interested in cyber security. I am stuck between these two ideas.
1) Implement a secure messaging app with python and test attack with Kali.
2) Build a vulnerable lab in virtual box and perform full Kali attack.
Are these ideas feasible for my final year project proposal and report.
Any guidance is welcome.

Hey,

Both ideas you’ve come up with are the kind of things students commonly consider when they’re interested in cybersecurity, so you’re thinking in the right area. The real question isn’t so much whether the ideas are “good” but whether there’s enough academic depth, structure, and scope to carry a full final-year project. That’s something your supervisor will be able to judge most accurately once you talk it through with them.

On the surface, both concepts are feasible, but they each come with limitations you’ll want to be aware of. Creating a secure messaging app can be interesting, but it’s easy for these projects to become a basic coding exercise unless you have a clear research angle (e.g., comparing different approaches or analysing weaknesses). On the other hand, building a vulnerable lab and attacking it can be engaging, but if it’s just a walkthrough of existing tools, it may not offer enough originality unless you frame it as an investigation rather than a demonstration.

This is why it’s helpful to discuss your ideas early with your supervisor. They’ll know exactly what your department expects in terms of depth, academic contribution, and documentation. They can also help you shape the idea into something manageable, so you don’t accidentally take on something too large or too simple.

If you can, have that conversation sooner rather than late, ideally before your proposal deadline and definitely before you move too far into planning. Talking through it now will make the admin process smoother and give you plenty of time to refine the project into something that ticks all the necessary boxes.

Overall, you’re on the right track. Take both ideas to your supervisor, explain what interests you about them, and let them guide you on which one has the stronger potential for a successful final-year project.

Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative