NSS-SocialSec 2024

NSS 2024: 18th International Conference on Network and System Security
SocialSec 2024: 10th International Symposium on Security and Privacy in Social Networks and Big Data
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE | November 20-22, 2024

Keynote Speakers

Security-Enhanced Radio Access Networks for 5G OpenRAN

Dr. Zhiqiang Lin
Ohio State University

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Abstract

In recent years, the mobile security landscape has been challenged by a range of sophisticated exploits targeting link and session-establishment protocols. These exploits, often deployed via software-defined radios (SDRs), can disrupt, spoof, or flood layer-3 (L3) messages, posing significant risks to the security and privacy of even the most advanced 5G networks. However, the shift from closed, proprietary infrastructures to the open, intelligent architecture of 5G OpenRAN (O-RAN) presents a transformative opportunity for the cybersecurity community. By embracing a software-defined, fully interoperable mobile architecture, we can fundamentally enhance the security posture of mobile networks. In this talk, Dr. Lin will describe his recent collaborative Security-Enhanced Radio Access Network (SE-RAN) project, which aims to address emerging cellular network threats through innovative security services on the O-RAN control plane. First, he will present 5G-Spector, the first comprehensive framework for detecting the wide spectrum of L3 protocol exploits on O-RAN. This framework features a novel security audit stream called MobiFlow that transfers fine-grained cellular network telemetry, and a programmable control-plane xApp called MobieXpert. Next, he will also outline a forward-looking vision for the convergence of AI and cellular security, exploring how these technologies can unlock unprecedented capabilities in threat detection and mitigation. Finally, he will introduce 5G-XSec, a preliminary framework that leverages deep learning and large language models to automatically monitor, analyze, and explain anomalies and threats at the cellular network edge.

Biography: Dr. Zhiqiang Lin is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and the Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust (ICDT) at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on systems and software security, emphasizing automated binary analysis techniques for vulnerability discovery and malware analysis, as well as software hardening through binary code rewriting, virtualization, and trusted execution environments (TEE), and the applications of these techniques in mobile devices, IoT, 5G networks, and connected and autonomous vehicles. He has published over 150 papers, many of which have appeared in the top venues in cybersecurity. He is an IEEE Fellow and an ACM Distinguished Member. He is a recipient of the Harrison Faculty Award for Excellence in Engineering Education, an NSF CAREER Award, an AFOSR Young Investigator Award, the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, and a Distinguished Paper Award from IEEE S&P. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University.

Privacy and cybersecurity issues facing the metaverse: An analysis of technological and institutional factors

Nir Kshetri
University of North Carolina-Greensboro

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Abstract

The metaverse presents several unique challenges from security and privacy standpoints. This paper offers a detailed description and analysis of technological environment and institutional factors that can lead to increased privacy violations and security breaches in the metaverse. On the technological front, it discusses how various features of the metaverse such as newness, novelty and complexity of technologies involved, data intensiveness and weak architectural security of the metaverse are likely to provide a fruitful environment for cybercriminals and other perpetrators. The paper analyzes the level and nature of the impacts of privacy violations and security breaches on consumers and victims in the metaverse environment. It also demonstrates how security breaches in the metaverse are likely to lead to immediate harms to victims. It promotes an understanding of how institutions at various level are related to privacy and security risks in the metaverse. On the regulatory front, it points out that privacy and security laws of the Web2 era are not sufficient to deal with the environments of the metaverse. It also argues that the preparedness to provide security and privacy in the metaverse's multidimensional and multi-sensory environment is currently lacking at the industry level.

Biography: Nir Kshetri is professor at University of North Carolina-Greensboro and research fellow at Kobe University, Japan. He has authored fourteen books and more than 260 academic articles. Two of his books have been honored with the Choice Magazine's Outstanding Academic Title award. Nir's work has been featured by hundreds of media outlets, such as Al Jazeera, Barron's, BBC, BS-TBS "Hodo", Bloomberg TV, CBS News, Channel News Asia, Economist, Foreign Policy, Forbes, Fortune, Newsweek, Public Radio International, Scientific American, US News and World Report and Wall Street Journal. Nir is a two-time TEDx speaker about the roles of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in fighting poverty. He has provided consulting services to Asian Development Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank and various UN agencies.