SCCS faculty, students expand AU’s contributions to TechNet Augusta

Each year, the TechNet Augusta conference serves as a critical hub for leaders and operators in cybersecurity by presenting a dynamic platform to support networking, education and problem-solving strategies in global security. The 2024 event, held Aug. 19-22 at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center, saw an expanded presence by Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

TechNet Augusta is organized by Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International (AFCEA). With its comprehensive program and emphasis on future trends, TechNet has proved to be a must-attend for anyone involved in defense technology and strategic defense planning.

Over the years, SCCS has been a dedicated supporter of TechNet Augusta through its participation as an exhibit vendor, but this year the school deepened its involvement as several faculty and graduate students were featured in multiple presentations throughout the conference.

“I was thrilled to see several of our dedicated faculty and enthusiastic students presenting at and participating in the TechNet Augusta 2024 conference,” said SCCS Dean Alexander Schwarzmann, PhD. “Our continued contributions to use-inspired research and engagement in this important forum is a testament to our school’s commitment to advancing knowledge and impactful innovation. I am incredibly pleased with the momentum we are gaining as a school.”

Fort Eisenhower, the U.S. Army installation and home to the headquarters of U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER), is a key entity of TechNet Augusta. With an emphasis on partnership and collaboration, the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences has fostered a relationship with the Cyber Center of Excellence with the aim of advancing student learning and providing pathways that propel professional growth.

With a diverse lineup of sessions and workshops, including seven led by AU faculty and students, attendees were presented with the latest advancements in technology and the opportunity to discuss shared challenges faced within the military, government and industry sectors.

Gokila Dorai, PhD, assistant professor at SCCS, was one of AU’s presenters during TechNet. As the founder of the Digital Forensics & Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, she shared her expertise in analyzing mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices using machine learning.

“Presenting provided an unparalleled platform to share cutting-edge research and foster collaboration between military, government and industry professionals,” said Dorai. “It was an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical application, particularly in areas like digital forensics and machine learning, where advancements are crucial for enhancing cybersecurity and law enforcement capabilities.”

Hoda Maleki, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences, presented alongside AU alumnus Dane Troyer on their research centered around a novel OpenPersona framework, which leverages blockchain technology to create a secure and verifiable digital identity.

“This was an incredible opportunity to showcase the cutting-edge developments happening at Augusta University in cybersecurity,” said Maleki. “Sharing this work with industry experts and fellow academics highlights the collaborative efforts that are pushing the boundaries of digital security and privacy.”

Part of the slate of presentations for 2024 was the first-ever Cyber Research Showcase. AU was represented in four of the six presentations, including Paul Attie, PhD, professor in the Department of Computer Science, and students Justin Carney, Pouria Rad and Alireza Taheritajar.

Rad, a second-year PhD student, found the experience of attending and presenting his research at TechNet to be extremely valuable.

“The most rewarding aspect has been the ability to work on the cutting edge of both AI and cybersecurity,” Rad said. “It’s been fascinating to see how advances in AI can be applied in both beneficial and malicious ways. The challenge of understanding and mitigating these risks has been particularly fulfilling, especially as a second-year PhD student striving to make a meaningful impact in the field.”

Rad, Attie, Carney, Taheritajar, Mahdieh Heidaripour, Asma Jodeiri Akbarfam and Ladan Kian all took part in the Student Research Poster Show.

“We are very fortunate to have a yearly sponsored TechNet here in Augusta that showcases a distinct blend of ideas, solutions and people,” said Joanne Sexton, founding dean of SCCS who now serves as an assistant professor. “This is the first year we had SCCS faculty and graduate students presenting at the TechNet conference. I am extremely proud to know that all their hard work and research sheds light on the current challenges we face today.”

AU’s complete participation in TechNet Augusta included:

• Yurii Parzhyn, PhD, visiting scientist – Autonomous Attack Drones Based on Artificial Intelligence
• Hoda Maleki, PhD, assistant professor, and Dane Troyer, alum – Utilizing Blockchain Technology to Provide an Accessible, Privacy-Centric System for Positively Proving Identity
• Gokila Dorai, PhD, assistant professor – Harnessing AI In Digital Forensics and Advancing Criminal Investigations through Innovative Data Extraction and Collaborative Efforts
• Paul Attie, PhD, professor – AFCEA Greater Augusta Chapter Course: Code Documentation and Analysis to Secure Software Development, Cyber Research Showcase Presentation: Code Comprehension and Maintenance via Effective Documentation
• Justin Carney, graduate research assistant – Cyber Research Showcase Presentation: An Analysis and Literature Review of Cyber-Physical Attacks on Building Enterprise Security
• Pouria Rad, graduate research assistant – Cyber Research Showcase Presentation: AI Gone Phishing: Leveraging Generative AI Models for Crafting Spear Phishing Attacks
• Alireza Taheritajar, graduate research assistant – Cyber Research Showcase Presentation: Sound Waves and Security: An Acoustic Attack on Keyboards