The 27th Ada-Europe International Conference on Reliable Software Technologies (Ada-Europe 2023) recently occurred in Lisbon, Portugal, bringing together experts worldwide. Among the attendees was Alexis Raynaud, a 4rth year student majoring in IT, IOT & Security at ESILV, who presented his groundbreaking research on the security and safety of cyber-physical systems.
Alexis Reynaud, presented his paper entitled “Attack Scenarios Generation Algorithm Based on Discrete Event System Formalism” during the 8th Workshop on Challenges and New Approaches for Dependable and Cyber-Physical System Engineering and its implications for cybersecurity.
His research project, supervised by Nga Nguyen Associate Professor in Computer Science at ESILV, and her 3rd-year doctoral student, Théo Serru, focused on automatically generated attack scenarios that could potentially lead to critical events.
Understanding Cyber-Physical System Vulnerabilities
The central question Alexis’s research project addressed was how cyber-physical systems, such as connected boats, planes, and cars, could be attacked.
Rather than discovering new attacks, Alexis, and his team, developed an algorithm to detect all possible sequences of actions that could lead to critical failures.
By analyzing known attacks or vulnerabilities on individual components, the algorithm identified combinations and sequences that could create significant damage and endanger human lives.
Presentation at the 8th Workshop
As the only presenter focusing on cybersecurity, Alexis’s presentation garnered significant attention.
Despite being the youngest presenter in the room, he delivered a well-received talk, explaining the algorithm in a way accessible to all attendees, even those without prior knowledge of algorithms or cybersecurity.
The presentation sparked engaging discussions, with researchers seeking deeper insights into the algorithm’s workings and offering valuable suggestions for optimization.
Significance of Presenting at the Event
Several factors drove the decision to present at the Ada-Europe conference. Firstly, the security aspect is paramount when considering the dependability of cyber-physical systems. Being accepted to present at this esteemed conference means that Alexis’s article will be published in the next edition of the Ada User Journal, providing valuable visibility to their work.
This increased visibility could lead to real-world applications where the algorithm may be utilized for company risk analysis.
Furthermore, the event marked a crucial milestone for Alexis’s career. As a student, his participation in the conference offered valuable insights into the research world and solidified his passion for cybersecurity.
Inspired by the experience, Alexis is now considering pursuing a PhD thesis after completing his diploma, with hopes of making substantial contributions to the creation of secure and protected systems.
Future Presentations and ESILV Support
While focused on his internship, Alexis intends to continue his research and write a new article. ESILV was pivotal in supporting Alexis throughout his presentation and research journey.
The institution offered the unique opportunity to pursue the research track, providing dedicated time and resources for conducting experiments, writing articles, and gaining fundamental research skills.
ESILV also supervised and co-wrote the article and funded Alexis’s trip to Lisbon and conference fees, demonstrating their commitment to fostering student success.
A Transformative Experience
For Alexis, the entire experience was incredibly rewarding and enriching. Attending the Ada-Europe conference exposed him to cutting-edge research, allowed him to present his work, and ignited a strong desire to pursue further research endeavors, including the possibility of a PhD.
The event showcased his research to the wider academic community and provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and future opportunities.
His research project and subsequent presentation highlighted the potential risks faced by these systems and offered insights into mitigating and addressing these challenges.
Alexis’s experience underscores the value of conferences and academic events in shaping and propelling careers in research and innovation.
Learn more about ESILV’s major in IT, IOT & Security
