Reuben Anandha Raj Samson Raj, a computer science doctoral student, and Dong "Kevin" Jin, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, received the Second-Best Paper Award for their research presentation at the annual Dynamic Data-Driven Application Systems Conference. The conference was held Nov. 6-8 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Samson Raj's research, titled "Dynamic Data-Driven Security Framework for Industrial Control Networks using Programmable Switches," is co-authored by Jin, Ph.D. adviser to Samson Raj. The research is focused on the development of a dynamic, data-driven security framework to detect cyberattacks in real time.  

According to Jin, "Dynamic Data-Driven Applications Systems, introduced by Dr. Frederica Darema, is a computational paradigm that combines real-time data acquisition with simulation modeling, allowing applications to adapt dynamically to changing inputs."

As part of the research presentation in the Security Systems session at the conference, Samson Raj discussed their proof-of-concept dynamic data-driven application framework using advanced, customizable network devices called P4 switches to create a system that can detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. The focus is on protecting critical systems such as those used in factories, power plants, water systems and more by quickly identifying and stopping potential attacks.

"Our research aims to advance the future of tech by improving the security and resilience of Industrial Control Systems. These systems are critical to infrastructure like energy and manufacturing. It also contributes to general network security by leveraging P4's programmability to address complex threats dynamically," Samson Raj said.

He continued, "Beyond security, our work highlights the potential of network programmability and the broader softwarization of networking. We believe this would pave the way for more flexible, efficient and intelligent network systems that can adapt to evolving demands."

Samson Raj and Jin are encouraged by the award given to their research.

"It is very encouraging to know that the wider research community on Dynamic Data-Driven Applications Systems recognizes the promising potential of our work," he said. "It motivates me to push forward, improve on our current designs and think about what other interesting security and resilience problems P4 can be used to solve."

Samson Raj's research expertise comes from a place of experience in education and industry. With an undergraduate degree in electronics and communication engineering and work experience in networking firms like Cisco and Nokia, he decided to pursue a doctorate.

"The specific parts of my job that I found most satisfying were when I was given vaguely defined problems with only an abstract end-goal," Samson Raj said. "I think Ph.D. research is a lot like that, so when I wanted to do graduate school, a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on networked systems seemed like a logical choice for my academic pursuits."

This perceptiveness led to successes like this well-received paper. Throughout the remainder of his schooling, Samson Raj plans to continue the research into this important topic with Jin. While the initial proof-of-concept work was notably successful, the pair aims to expand this by implementing hardware P4 switches, which will provide greater scalability and stronger, more reliable defenses.

"Reuben Samson Raj represents some of the best in our graduate student body in computer science. His involvement in the department and commitment to fruitful research is an achievement alone. I commend Reuben on this award and Dr. Jin for his mentorship," said Jia Di, head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

More information on the conference can be found at the 'Dynamic Data Driven Application Systems (DDDAS)' website.