Cyber Security
The cyber security research at Simula is driven by the pursuit of novel solutions and knowledge to enable a more secure society. This includes, but is not limited to, cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies and security of emerging technologies.
"In an interconnected and digitally dependent world with rapid technological advancements, the security of our digital infrastructure and information is crucial. Simula conducts research to develop effective solutions and contribute to a more resilient society."
Jostein Jensen, Director of Cyber Security
Departments
Focus areas
Cryptography
The security of today’s digital world is highly reliant on cryptography. Cryptographic techniques are used for securing communications, data storage, as well as computation. Researchers at Simula make relevant and practical contributions to the development and secure deployment of modern cryptographic mechanisms. For example, by designing new ciphers (secret codes), evaluating existing proposals and contributing to the standardisation of new post-quantum cryptographic schemes.
Novel approaches are explored to allow computation and other advanced functionalities without exposing sensitive information. Examples are fully homomorphic encryption, proof of knowledge systems and multi-party computation. However, even strong cryptographic algorithms may be compromised through weaknesses in their real-world implementation. This is addressed through research on the security of software and hardware implementations, quantifying the risks of side-channel attacks, and developing methods to reduce information leakage from both passive and active attackers.
Security of AI systems
This challenge is addressed from two different perspectives: first, by making AI models inherently robust against threats like adversarial attacks, and second, by leveraging AI to enhance the security of existing IT systems and software. A core part of this work is developing rigorous methods to test and validate the safety and security of these AI solutions. Ensuring their safe, ethical, and responsible adoption across sectors, from critical infrastructure to public services. This is done by researchers in cyber security and artificial intelligence.
In addition, researchers study both cryptographic and information-theoretic techniques that allow AI systems to learn from data and make predictions while protecting sensitive information and ensuring privacy.
Security of quantum technologies
In the area of quantum technologies, researchers at Simula study cryptographic mechanisms that are designed to remain secure even when large-scale quantum computers become available. They also work on quantum error correction schemes (methods for protecting quantum information from noise and errors) to support resilient processing of quantum information. More broadly, Simula develops theoretical tools and advanced applications to support secure and resilient quantum communication networks for the future.
Contract research opportunities in Cyber Security
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and public organisations. This is part of our larger aim to provide research that is both theoretically excellent and practically relevant.
We have contributed our expertise to projects run in partnership with organisations such as Norwegian governmental entities and the European Space Agency, and we are open to collaboration with other industry partners.