Computer Security is the study and practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including network security, application security, and system hardening, with the goal of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Researchers in computer security work on developing tools and techniques to detect vulnerabilities, defend against cyberattacks, and prevent breaches. Key areas of focus include intrusion detection systems, firewalls, authentication mechanisms, and security protocols, as well as emerging challenges like securing cloud environments, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and critical infrastructure.
Cryptography is a foundational tool in computer security that involves the study of techniques for secure communication, data encryption, and protecting information from unauthorized parties. Cryptography allows sensitive data to be encrypted (turned into a format that can only be read by someone with the proper key) and ensures that communications are not tampered with during transmission. Modern cryptography includes algorithms like RSA, AES, and elliptic-curve cryptography, which are widely used in secure communications, digital signatures, and blockchain technology. Researchers in this field focus on advancing encryption techniques, developing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, and solving complex problems like key exchange, identity verification, and secure multiparty computation.
The intersection of Computer Security and Cryptography is essential for securing digital systems. Cryptographic methods provide the mathematical foundation for many security protocols, such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Researchers explore how to combine cryptography with practical security techniques to protect against real-world threats, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing. As technology evolves, particularly with quantum computing on the horizon, this research area continuously seeks new ways to ensure secure, privacy-preserving systems while addressing challenges posed by emerging threats.
Faculty
Sebastian Angel
Andre DeHon
Andreas Haeberlen
Brett Hemenway
Pratyush Mishra
Benjamin Pierce
Tal Rabin
Jonathan M. Smith
Christopher Yoo
