The next WATCH talk, called Computer Security and the Internet of Things is Thursday, November 12, 2015 from Noon-1pm ET.

The presenter is Tadayoshi Kohno from the University of Washington and the UW Information School. His research focuses on helping protect the security, privacy, and safety of users of current and future generation technologies. Kohno is the recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, a U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and a Technology Review TR-35 Young Innovator Award. Kohno is also a member of the National Academies Forum on Cyber Resilience, the IEEE Center for Secure Design, and the USENIX Security Steering Committee. Kohno received his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego.

Abstract

Computers are now integrating into everyday objects, from medical devices to children’s toys. This integration of technology brings many benefits. Without the appropriate checks and balances, however, these emerging technologies also have the potential to compromise our digital and physical security and privacy. This talk will explore case studies in the design and analysis of computer systems for several types of everyday objects, including wireless medical devices, children’s toys, and automobiles. I will discuss the discovery of security risks with leading examples of these technologies, the challenges to securing these technologies and the ecosystem leading to their vulnerabilities, and new directions for security and privacy.  For example, I will discuss efforts (in collaboration with UC San Diego) to compromise the computers in an automobile from a thousand miles away, and the implications and consequences of this and other works. I will also discuss directions for mitigating computer security and privacy risks, including both technical directions and education.

The talk will be held in Room 110 at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, VA. No RSVP is necessary, and no visitor badges are required. It will also be webcast; you can register here.