The rapidly expanding realm of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ranging from smart TVs and home hubs to thermostats and refrigerators, has brought significant convenience to daily life. However, the integration of these devices into networks also poses security risks, including susceptibility to botnet and ransomware attacks, and potential gateways for broader malicious activities.
Jianli Pan, an associate professor of computer science at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, recognizes the urgency of addressing these security challenges. “These smart devices are now everywhere,” Pan observes, highlighting a lag in legal regulations and due diligence regarding IoT security, resulting in a notable gap between technology and safety.
To address this, Pan is engaged in research aimed at enhancing IoT security using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain technology. This research is backed by an approximately $510,000 grant from the National Security Agency’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, under the project “Automated and Intelligent Threat Detection and Defense of Future IoT Edge/Cloud Systems,” awarded through the NSA’s Cybersecurity Research Innovation 2021 Program.
The research involves using machine learning and AI to analyze behavior patterns of IoT devices, aiming to identify potential issues through data mining. This understanding allows for predictive measures and necessary security enhancements. This initiative is part of a broader, three-pronged strategy. The first step focuses on threat detection, while the second involves developing a flexible and resource-aware security protocol, automatically implementable at network gateways. The final step seeks to bolster these defenses with blockchain technology.
Pan’s collaborative efforts with Prasad Calyam, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Missouri–Columbia, underscore the interdisciplinary nature of this endeavor. Their shared interests in edge-cloud computing, IoT, blockchain, and cybersecurity have fueled their joint project, facilitated by the NSA grant.
Pan and Calyam’s goal extends beyond research; they aim to disseminate their findings and educate others, thereby amplifying the impact of their work. By addressing the significant security vulnerabilities in IoT devices, their work seeks to ensure that as these devices make life more convenient, their security measures are equally advanced and robust. This initiative reflects a crucial step in mitigating the risks associated with the growing proliferation of IoT devices in our daily lives.
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