Protecting government communications infrastructure
Telecommunications infrastructure includes cell towers and networks that enable the connection of cell phones, GPS technology, and other devices. Government and technology organizations are working to protect their infrastructure through encryption and other security measures.
As we become more dependent on mobile technology, concerns about its security have understandably increased. Defending a network of computers connected by Ethernet cables is difficult enough, but adding wireless communication signals makes the network even more difficult to defend.
This is especially true if the security system does not monitor the interaction between devices and signals from the physical environment. Imagine there is a security camera in front of your house. You go on vacation, but leave your back door unlocked and unmonitored, exposing yourself to thieves.
In my lab, we measure signals at multiple points, not just one, as they pass through the local communications infrastructure. This gives you a better idea of what's going on overall. Just as my son found meaning in a painting I couldn't understand, we too need to be able to see the big picture to protect our networks.
Our cybersecurity project, Device-level Anomaly fRamEwork (DARE), uses commercial-grade communications networks known as radio access networks to study the signals emitted by devices. Local RAN connects devices such as smartphones to the cloud.
We use this network to measure the behavior of signals under the influence of different cybersecurity scenarios and seek to capture anomalous activity that could indicate a breach. If you find something problematic in one place, you know you need to investigate potential vulnerabilities.
learn more: 5G networks provide additional security tailored to the needs of government agencies.
Discover more cybersecurity solutions from a multidisciplinary perspective
Our multidisciplinary team brings many perspectives to this effort. Experts in advanced wireless communications, cybersecurity, and applied mathematics, including machine learning, will work together to help wireless providers and others build safer networks for us all.
For a project to be successful, we must bring together our collective strengths to solve major scientific challenges by considering the problem from all angles, including our unique life experiences. there is.
Just as my team needs diverse talent and perspectives to do our best work, a diverse group of scientists will publish papers more often and create solutions that benefit more communities. We know that there is a high potential for development. This country relies heavily on the innovative work of scientists, and we need scientists who represent all parts of society.
