Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

Program Description

Securing cyberspace, i.e. defending against and preventing cyber-attacks are not new challenges but these have become increasingly pressing in the light of technological advancements. Software and protocols are continuously becoming more complex to meet application demands. More flexible computing environments, such as distributed systems, demand new ways of thinking how to ensure secure end-to-end functionalities, even though components are only known to be individually secure. The emergence of nanoscale devices and quantum information processing and communication also portends new technological challenges for cybersecurity. By the same token, these new technologies potentially offer unparalleled security solutions to the existing or future problems.

Although engineering practices continue to provide short-term and temporary relieves to these pressing needs, new scientific ideas are required to address the lack of security and the explosive growth of hostile actions in cyberspace, especially taking into account of emerging technologies. Many fundamental concepts are still eluding precise formulation and awaiting rigorous responses. The goal of this Basic Research program is to explore novel, promising concepts and methodologies that can establish a firm scientific foundation for cybersecurity and potentially tackle the difficult technical hurdles described above.

Basic Research Objectives can be found in this program’s section of the BAA.

You are highly encouraged to contact the Program Officer prior to developing a full proposal to briefly discuss the current state-of-the-art, how your research would advance it, the approximate cost for a three (3) to five (5) year effort, and if there are any specific submission target dates.

Solicitation
BAA

Program Reviews & Meetings

File Share for Information Operations & Security Program Review
When uploading files use the file name convention of "Name-University-Topic." You will need to have an APAN account in order to upload documents.

Collaboration Tools
Following are different ways you can share information with Dr. Nguyen and your colleagues.

• View or share files. You can view files Dr. Nguyen has uploaded and also share files with him and your colleagues.
• Provide feedback or ask questions. You can start a discussion or ask a question using our online forums

Contact Information
Dr. Tristan Nguyen
AFOSR/RTA-2
Email: Info.Security@us.af.mil