Experts at Arizona State University (ASU) are proactively addressing emerging cybersecurity threats by developing innovative solutions aimed at preempting potential vulnerabilities. With the rise of new technologies, they are focused on ensuring that these advancements do not become vehicles for cyberattacks.
Anticipating Future Threats
As technology evolves, so do the challenges associated with it. The ASU cybersecurity team is keen on understanding the unique vulnerabilities presented by various technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence. These advancements, while beneficial, introduce significant security concerns, particularly when robots are deployed in sensitive environments like hospitals or care facilities, where they interact with vulnerable populations.
Tiffany Bao, an associate professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, highlights the risks posed by robots that may be compromised by hackers. Such breaches could lead to altered functions or even harm to individuals in close proximity. Bao’s work, including her involvement with DARPA programs, focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in both unmanned and manned systems to mitigate the potential impacts of cyberattacks on national security.
Combating Cascading Vulnerabilities
In the realm of cybersecurity, the emergence of artificial intelligence has simplified the discovery of software bugs, which can be exploited by malicious actors. Bao notes that attackers often leverage multiple vulnerabilities to create a “cascade effect,” resulting in damage greater than the sum of its parts. This complex interplay of vulnerabilities necessitates strategies for prioritizing software patches to effectively reduce risk.
To combat these threats, Bao is working on developing AI tools that enable automated systems to self-audit, patch, and test their defenses, enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience.
Verifying Digital Communications
Advancements in voice cloning and deepfake technology pose significant threats to digital trust. Visar Berisha, associate dean of research and commercialization in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, emphasizes the challenges this technology introduces, as it becomes easier for anyone to produce convincing fake audio and video content.
In response, Berisha’s research aims to create a “proof of personhood” device capable of verifying the authenticity of a voice. Utilizing millimeter wave radar, this technology captures biological signals associated with speech to ensure that the audio input corresponds to genuine human physiology. By doing so, it can flag suspicious audio that does not match the expected biological patterns.
Integrating Security Across Systems
With technology systems becoming increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in one area can jeopardize the entire network. Michel Kinsy, an associate professor at ASU, describes this interconnectedness as “system-of-systems cybersecurity.” He emphasizes that various components—such as sensors and communication modules in vehicles—must work together securely.
Kinsy’s work focuses on ensuring that different technologies maintain robust security protocols, mitigating risks that arise from the integration of diverse systems. As these systems evolve, he advocates for comprehensive security measures that encompass all elements of the network to safeguard against potential breaches.
ASU’s efforts in cybersecurity reflect a commitment to developing solutions that not only address current challenges but also anticipate and mitigate future risks, ensuring a safer technological landscape for society.
Source: Arizona State University
