You're Invited to the CS Seminar Series! Join us this Friday, October 27.

On Friday (October 27), the Computer Science Department hosts another event of the Fall CS Seminar Series. This event featured a talk by Dr. George K. Thiruvathukal and Mr. Isaac Ahlgren (Loyola University Chicago).

•  Zero Involvement Pairing and Authentication and Its Vulnerabilities 
  Talk By: Mr. Isaac Ahlgren (Loyola University Chicago)
  
•  Research Opportunities in the Software and Systems Laboratory 
  Talk By: Dr. George K. Thiruvathukal (Loyola University Chicago)

Talks

Zero Involvement Pairing and Authentication and Its Vulnerabilities 

Talk By: Isaac Ahlgren (Loyola University Chicago) 

Abstract: Zero Involvement Pairing and Authentication (ZIPA) is a promising technique for auto provisioning large networks of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. In this talk, we will discuss the basics of ZIPA and delve into the details of two particular vulnerabilities which affect many popular ZIPA systems. Furthermore, we will discuss techniques for mitigating these vulnerabilities. 

Speaker Bio: Isaac Ahlgren is a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago working in the Software and Systems Laboratory. His research focuses on the security of Internet of Things devices, specifically focusing on the emerging area of zero involvement pairing and authentication (ZIPA). Through analysis of attack vectors on existing ZIPA systems, his research intends to bring security and privacy guarantees to ZIPA systems. 

Research Opportunities in the Software and Systems Laboratory 

Talk By: Dr. George K. Thiruvathukal (Loyola University Chicago)  

Abstract: The Software and Systems Laboratory is a research group focused on research in computer systems and software engineering. Our members form an interdisciplinary group with faculty and student interests in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Engineering.   The laboratory’s focus is on researching computer systems and applied Software Engineering to solve problems of interest to humanity. 

This talk will present an overview of various projects under way within the SSL and opportunities to collaborate and contribute. Students who are interested in independent study and LUROP-funded opportunities are strongly encouraged to attend this talk.  

Speaker Bio: Dr. George K. Thiruvathukal is a professor and chairperson of computer science at Loyola University Chicago and visiting computer scientist (guest faculty/researcher) at Argonne National Laboratory. His research and teaching interests include high-performance computing and distributed systems, programming languages, software engineering, and machine learning. He is also interested in interdisciplinary computing work in computational science, data science, and digital humanities and arts (music). His research has been funded by government agencies, including NSF, DARPA, NSA, and NEH. He has also received research and education-related gifts from industry, including Intel, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.