Secure Communications and Embedded Systems Laboratory at California State University, Fresno
Abstract
Designing robust and secure communication infrastructure/systems is of paramount importance for achieving usersÕ trust in many electronic applications including but not limited to military, online banking, and cellular communications to name a few. In recent years, the advances in the area of wireless communication and Internet of Things (IoT) have mandated stringent requirements regarding system reliability, availability and security. In addition to that the significant increase in the capacity of sensitive data exchange over the global communications network, imposes an ever growing attack surface. In order to achieve reliable and secure operations, robust communications protocols supplemented by desired services of confidentiality, data integrity, and authenticity, need to be supported. There are a number of techniques which are primarily based on either machine learning oriented trait detection schemes, or cryptography, used to address such security goals. However, practical utilization of the latter techniques in communications systems is facing many challenges due to the extremely constrained realization requirements in emerging lightweight technologies and devices. This proposal targets the establishment of a communications and embedded systems security laboratory. The lab will provide access to state-of-the-art tool chains facilitating the development of new schemes using software defined methods, combined with Machine Learning and software/hardware oriented advanced Cryptography primitives, to complement existing schemes of communications systems security. In addition to building secure systems, the proposed laboratory will also target investigating different types of attacks that could happen at the different layers of the protocol stack and propose solutions on how to overcome them. Therefore, the intended laboratory will be used for conducting undergraduate and graduate research, in addition to complementing existing/ new courses through providing state-of-art hands-on training facilities for our students. Outcomes: We plan to develop at least five new laboratories/courses one on Software Defined Radio Communications, that will be offered to both undergraduate and graduate students, another one on Advanced Signal Processing Laboratory, which will be offered to graduate students, Applied Machine Learning Laboratory that will be offered to both undergraduate and graduate students, Cryptography and Network Security Laboratory targeting undergraduate and graduate students, and a Hardware Security course targeting undergraduate and graduate students. The equipment will be heavily used for advanced research. We plan to train undergraduate and graduate students especially, from minority groups including Hispanic and Hmong community as well as international students on how to conduct state-of-the-art research and publish the new findings. Through summer workshops high school students will be trained on simple applications of equipment use to encourage them to join the STEM fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110210
Entities
People
- Hovannes Kulhandjian
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- California State University, Fresno
- Office of the Secretary of Defense