A new cybersecurity-focused innovation lab designed to systematically verify the efficacy and resilience of AI models monitoring the behaviour of networked IoT devices is scheduled to open at UNSW.
The trustworthiness of IoT devices, such as cameras, sensors, or actuators, is becoming vital to the operation of enterprise and/or industrial networks.
Developed in partnership with globally accredited network product certification and interoperability test lab CNLABS, the lab will focus on security and trustworthy AI programs with regional and global significance.
There is a growing need for systematically developing trust in IoT devices that connect to networks. Recently, certain standards ratified by ETSI, NTIA, and IETF have been considered by network providers and regulators to strengthen the cybersecurity of IoT devices and networks.
This collaborative work includes research, training, and development of certification, regulatory and compliance requirements for networked systems, and methods for validating compatibility with new standards.
Dr Hassan Habibi Gharakheili, Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW, says the new lab will develop methods and tools for validating the compatibility of profiles with standard specifications, as well as their behaviours on testbed networks, and determining risks with respect to cybersecurity best practices
It will also help reduce attack surfaces of IoT devices before and after connecting them to networks.
This project builds upon previous works developed by UNSW researchers in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, utilising tools and models developed for generating behavioural profiles from IoT traffic and monitoring network activities of connected devices in real time.
Dr Habibi Gharakheili said: “Collaboration with CNLABS brings us one step closer to the industry in undertaking applied research in the domain of Cybersecurity, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence.
“This research initiative, slated to extend for the next three years, serves as a platform for jointly developing intellectual properties (IPs) within emerging high-impact research domains”.
Prof Julien Epps, Head of School, Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW added: “We are excited to collaborate and support CNLABS to further research and prototyping in emerging technology domains.
“This engagement helps broaden our industry connections worldwide, co-develop joint programs, and promote robust development of cybersecurity programs.”