INCS-CoE Expert Community Seminar on Cybersecurity Issues in Transportation

8-9:00 am ET Tuesday, 28 November 2023 via Zoom

Host: Dr. Karl V. Steiner, UMBC VP for Research & Creative Achievement

GraphCAN: Graph-Based Controller Area Network Security

Dr. Riadul Islam, UMBC, Baltimore, MD, USA

Vulnerabilities and security threats associated with the widely adopted vehicular Controller Area Network (CAN) will be examined. Novel techniques for the creation of graphs from CAN data will be introduced. Subsequently, various methods, encompassing statistical analyses, machine learning algorithms, and graph neural network approaches, will be presented as potential means to enhance the security of CAN networks. Furthermore, the challenges related to processing extensive sensor data within a stringent timing budget will be addressed, emphasizing the significance of implementing intrusion detection algorithms on edge devices with a focus on cost-effectiveness.

Advancing Cyber-Resilience in the Age of Autonomous Vehicles

Dr. Rolando Martins, University of Porto, Portugal

The adoption of autonomous vehicles requires shifting cyber-physical infrastructures. They are high-value targets, and while Zero Trust is vital, it is insufficient against modern cyber threats. The traditional firewall-based "fortress" approach falls short against advanced adversaries. This situation has reignited interest in Intrusion Tolerance, underutilized since the '90s due to its complexity. We will showcase work at the UP Cybersecurity and Privacy Centre (C3P)'s on cybersecurity, focusing on autonomous vehicles.

From Skyjacking to Carjacking: Challenges and Opportunities in Securing Modern Navigation Technologies

Dr. Aanjhan Ranganathan, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

Modern transportation systems rely heavily on accurate positioning and navigation technologies, which have become increasingly vulnerable to security threats. In this talk, we will explore the security challenges associated with secure positioning and navigation in modern vehicles, including the impact of GPS spoofing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the security problems of instrument landing systems used in aviation as one of the primary means of navigation aid for landing. We will also discuss the security problems of automotive radar, where we will show how easily radio frequency radar signals can be manipulated to fake distances and velocities, compromising the safety of the vehicle and passengers. We will see how even with cryptographic primitives, the challenges to securing positioning, navigation, and timing technologies is no trivial task. The talk will aim to highlight the fundamental limits that exist in securing current technologies and a call for designing secure alternatives.

Nicholas Schmidt, '24 Chemical Engineering - Traditional Track

When did you do your Research?

Summer 2023

Where was your Research?

Dr. Singh's lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC.

What is the focus of your Research?

Solid crystal optical properties

What are you looking forward to the most about your Research? 

I am looking forward to attending and presenting a research poster at The Material Science and Technology conference during the first week of October. This should be a really good opportunity to see research going on across the country and to gain speaking experience in an academic setting.

What was the best part of your Research?

My favorite part about doing research was gaining hands-on experience with research equipment as well as working collaboratively with undergrads and grad students in the. 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

My advice is to ask around about opportunities -- talk to people -- especially your professors and your classmates who are already involved in research. You won't always get internships or research directly from the people you ask, but they might know of someone who has an opening or know of an opportunity.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

Navy ROTC, Tau Beta Pi

What are your goals after graduation?

After graduation, I will be commissioning into the US Navy, hopefully to become a submarine officer and learn about nuclear power. 

Learn more about Nicholas Schmidt: 

www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-schmidt-111b56265