Practical Static Binary Instrumentation Attacks Against Binary Stylometry,
2024
James Madison University
Practical Static Binary Instrumentation Attacks Against Binary Stylometry, Justin Lee Carpenter
Masters Theses, 2020-current
Binary stylometry aims to find the features in a binary computer program and use them to identify the developers of the corresponding source code. Despite the noises in the code compilation process from the compiler, assembler, linker, and library functions, two existing studies based on machine learning for binary stylometry have reported high success rates (Alrabaee, Shirani, Wang, Debbabi, and Hanna 2018; Caliskan, Yamaguchi, Dauber, Harang, Rieck, Greenstadt, and Narayanan 2018). In this thesis, we first observe that both existing studies are based on a largely benign security model and assume that the binaries used in testing and prediction are …
Improving Ethics Surrounding Collegiate-Level Hacking Education: Recommended Implementation Plan & Affiliation With Peer-Led Initiatives,
2024
University at Albany, SUNY
Improving Ethics Surrounding Collegiate-Level Hacking Education: Recommended Implementation Plan & Affiliation With Peer-Led Initiatives, Shannon Morgan, Dr. Sanjay Goel
Military Cyber Affairs
Cybersecurity has become a pertinent concern, as novel technological innovations create opportunities for threat actors to exfiltrate sensitive data. To meet the demand for professionals in the workforce, universities have ramped up their academic offerings to provide a broad range of cyber-related programs (e.g., cybersecurity, informatics, information technology, digital forensics, computer science, & engineering). As the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of hackers evolve, the knowledge and skillset required to be an effective cybersecurity professional have escalated accordingly. Therefore, it is critical to train cyber students both technically and theoretically to actively combat cyber criminals and protect the confidentiality, integrity, …
Using Digital Twins To Protect Biomanufacturing From Cyberattacks,
2024
Washington State University
Using Digital Twins To Protect Biomanufacturing From Cyberattacks, Brenden Fraser-Hevlin, Alec W. Schuler, B. Arda Gozen, Bernard J. Van Wie
Military Cyber Affairs
Understanding of the intersection of cyber vulnerabilities and bioprocess regulation is critical with the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing. We detail a case study in which we model cyberattacks on network-mediated signals from a novel bioreactor, where it is important to control medium feed rates to maintain cell proliferation. We use a digital twin counterpart reactor to compare glucose and oxygen sensor signals from the bioreactor to predictions from a kinetic growth model, allowing discernment of faulty sensors from hacked signals. Our results demonstrate a successful biomanufacturing cyberattack detection system based on fundamental process control principles.
Characterizing Advanced Persistent Threats Through The Lens Of Cyber Attack Flows,
2024
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Characterizing Advanced Persistent Threats Through The Lens Of Cyber Attack Flows, Logan Zeien, Caleb Chang, Ltc Ekzhin Ear, Dr. Shouhuai Xu
Military Cyber Affairs
Effective cyber defense must build upon a deep understanding of real-world cyberattacks to guide the design and deployment of appropriate defensive measures against current and future attacks. In this abridged paper (of which the full paper is available online), we present important concepts for understanding Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), our methodology to characterize APTs through the lens of attack flows, and a detailed case study of APT28 that demonstrates our method’s viability to draw useful insights. This paper makes three technical contributions. First, we propose a novel method of constructing attack flows to describe APTs. This abstraction allows technical audiences, …
Machine Learning Security For Tactical Operations,
2024
Virginia Tech
Machine Learning Security For Tactical Operations, Dr. Denaria Fields, Shakiya A. Friend, Andrew Hermansen, Dr. Tugba Erpek, Dr. Yalin E. Sagduyu
Military Cyber Affairs
Deep learning finds rich applications in the tactical domain by learning from diverse data sources and performing difficult tasks to support mission-critical applications. However, deep learning models are susceptible to various attacks and exploits. In this paper, we first discuss application areas of deep learning in the tactical domain. Next, we present adversarial machine learning as an emerging attack vector and discuss the impact of adversarial attacks on the deep learning performance. Finally, we discuss potential defense methods that can be applied against these attacks.
Securing The Void: Assessing The Dynamic Threat Landscape Of Space,
2024
University at Albany
Securing The Void: Assessing The Dynamic Threat Landscape Of Space, Brianna Bace, Dr. Unal Tatar
Military Cyber Affairs
Outer space is a strategic and multifaceted domain that is a crossroads for political, military, and economic interests. From a defense perspective, the U.S. military and intelligence community rely heavily on satellite networks to meet national security objectives and execute military operations and intelligence gathering. This paper examines the evolving threat landscape of the space sector, encompassing natural and man-made perils, emphasizing the rise of cyber threats and the complexity introduced by dual-use technology and commercialization. It also explores the implications for security and resilience, advocating for collaborative efforts among international organizations, governments, and industry to safeguard the space sector.
Commercial Enablers Of China’S Cyber-Intelligence And Information Operations,
2024
Virginia Tech
Commercial Enablers Of China’S Cyber-Intelligence And Information Operations, Ethan Mansour, Victor Mukora
Military Cyber Affairs
In a globally commercialized information environment, China uses evolving commercial enabler networks to position and project its goals. They do this through cyber, intelligence, and information operations. This paper breaks down the types of commercial enablers and how they are used operationally. It will also address the CCP's strategy to gather and influence foreign and domestic populations throughout cyberspace. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for mitigating the influence of PRC commercial enablers.
Analysis And Evaluation Of Different Transformer Architectures For The Protein Sequence Representation And The Corresponding Hypothetical Applications,
2024
City University of New York (CUNY)
Analysis And Evaluation Of Different Transformer Architectures For The Protein Sequence Representation And The Corresponding Hypothetical Applications, Mary Mao
Theses and Dissertations
This project is to investigate and assess several Transformer topologies for the modeling of protein sequences and their corresponding uses. Each major model for the protein sequence representations is inspected with its mathematical theory and analyzed for the different performance of the models with various validation repositories.
Analyzing Information Cascades Through Machine Learning And Data Analytics,
2024
University of Connecticut
Analyzing Information Cascades Through Machine Learning And Data Analytics, Betul Agirman
Honors Scholar Theses
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become pivotal in influencing public opinion and behavior, with information spreading being both beneficial and detrimental. This rapid spread is typically called an information cascade, and they are important in further understanding social influence, managing misinformation, and even predicting potential trends of public responses. With social media, people are connected so easily to one another like a network, wherein it becomes possible for them to influence each other’s behavior and decisions. Utilizing a dataset from Weibo that spans critical periods of the COVID-19 outbreak, this study integrates machine learning and data analytics …
Adaptive Solutions For Improving The Quality Of Mobile User Experiences,
2024
SASTRA Deemed to be University
Adaptive Solutions For Improving The Quality Of Mobile User Experiences, Meena V
Theses and Dissertations
Nowadays, mobile applications have drawn a lot of attention as they bring computational and storage resources close to consumers globally through high-speed networks. Applications such as the medical microscope, 2D barcode reader, environmental sensor(s), mobile security and authenticator, vehicle remote controller, and IoT-based synchronizer come pre- applications are resource-intensive, as it performs computation(s) by utilizing diverse services like location, app-tracking, networking, camera, calendar, contacts, Bluetooth, etc. for each user activity. Parallel execution of such intense services might utilize the utmost memory and CPU of the mobile device which in turn degrades the overall Quality of Experience (QoE). This ultimately ends …
Side Channel Detection Of Pc Rootkits Using Nonlinear Phase Space,
2024
University of South Alabama
Side Channel Detection Of Pc Rootkits Using Nonlinear Phase Space, Rebecca Clark
Poster Presentations
Cyberattacks are increasing in size and scope yearly, and the most effective and common means of attack is through malicious software executed on target devices of interest. Malware threats vary widely in terms of behavior and impact and, thus, effective methods of detection are constantly being sought from the academic research community to offset both volume and complexity. Rootkits are malware that represent a highly feared threat because they can change operating system integrity and alter otherwise normally functioning software. Although normal methods of detection that are based on signatures of known malware code are the standard line of defense, …
High-Altitude Ballooning And Payload Design,
2024
Murray State University
High-Altitude Ballooning And Payload Design, Matthew Smith
Honors College Theses
The Icarus project began in 2017 where a team performs high-altitude balloon (HAB) launches to conduct atmospheric and payload design research. The project involves sending a data-collecting payload containing recording equipment to high altitudes (~100,000 feet). This paper outlines the Icarus project as well as the efforts to design a payload that will remain stable throughout flight while also protecting the equipment housed within the payload shell. SOLIDWORKS computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to design a unique payload system. The payload parts were manufactured with PLA filament using a Prusa MK4 3D printer. The secondary goal of this thesis …
Gamification Of Speech Therapy With Pronunciation Pal,
2024
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Gamification Of Speech Therapy With Pronunciation Pal, Parker Zbylut
Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects
This capstone report examines the theory and implementation behind applying game design principles to educational applications, and explores their implementation in an educational game through the Pronunciation Pal application. The gamification of learning tools aims to increase learners' engagement and attentiveness with a subject by restructuring content using game design principles of challenges, rewards and feedback. Feedback can be delivered via visuals and/or sounds, as well as regular indicators of player progress and accomplishment. In addition, a successful game implementation establishes challenges to facilitate a player's intrinsic desire to continue playing and improving at the skills presented by the game. …
Side Channel Detection Of Pc Rootkits Using Nonlinear Phase Space,
2024
University of South Alabama
Side Channel Detection Of Pc Rootkits Using Nonlinear Phase Space, Rebecca Clark
Honors Theses
Cyberattacks are increasing in size and scope yearly, and the most effective and common means of attack is through malicious software executed on target devices of interest. Malware threats vary widely in terms of behavior and impact and, thus, effective methods of detection are constantly being sought from the academic research community to offset both volume and complexity. Rootkits are malware that represent a highly feared threat because they can change operating system integrity and alter otherwise normally functioning software. Although normal methods of detection that are based on signatures of known malware code are the standard line of defense, …
In-Training Explainability Frameworks To Make Black-Box Machine Learning Models More Explainable.,
2024
University of Louisville
In-Training Explainability Frameworks To Make Black-Box Machine Learning Models More Explainable., Asuman Cagla Acun
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Despite ongoing efforts to make black-box machine learning models more explainable, transparent, and trustworthy, there is growing advocacy for using only inherently interpretable models for high-stake decision-making. Post-hoc explanations have recently been criticized for learning surrogate models that may not accurately reflect the actual mechanisms of the original model and for adding computational burden at prediction time. We propose two novel explainability approaches to address these limitations: pre-hoc explainability and co-hoc explainability. These approaches integrate explanations derived from an inherently interpretable white-box model into the learning stage of the black-box model without compromising accuracy. Unlike post-hoc methods, our approach does …
Diegetic Sonification For Low Vision Gamers,
2024
Kennesaw State University
Diegetic Sonification For Low Vision Gamers, Jhané Dawes
Master's Theses
There are not many games designed for all players that provide accommodations for low vision users. This means that low vision users may not get to engage with the gaming community in the same way as their sighted peers. In this thesis, I explore how diegetic sonification can be used as a tool to support these low vision gamers in the typical gaming environment. I asked low vision players to engage with a prototype game level with two diegetic sonification techniques applied, without the use of their corrective lenses. I found that participants had more enjoyment and experienced less difficulty …
Defining And Labeling Traversable Space In A Forested Environment,
2024
Clemson University
Defining And Labeling Traversable Space In A Forested Environment, James Nguyen
All Theses
This thesis investigates the problem of identifying traversable terrain in outdoor conditions. We are motivated by research in recent years toward identifying drivable space for the purpose of developing autonomous vehicles. Our motivating application is similar but also different. We envision a “Hiker Helper” that assists humans with dismounted navigation in forested terrain. A common challenge in this type of environment is identifying a viable path for moving through terrain that is congested with trees, bushes, other flora, and natural obstacles that would make navigation difficult. We envision training an artificial intelligence (AI) model to automatically analyze images of this …
Attention Guided Data Augmentation For Improving The Classification Performance Of Vision Transformers.,
2024
University of Louisville
Attention Guided Data Augmentation For Improving The Classification Performance Of Vision Transformers., Nada Baili
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
For over a decade, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have been rapidly progressing and achieving great success, forming a robust foundation of state of the art machine learning algorithms that impacted various domains. The advances in data acquisition and processing have undeniably played a major role in these breakthroughs. Data is a crucial component in building successful DNNs, as it enables machine learning models to optimize complex architectures, necessary to perform certain difficult tasks. However, acquiring large-scale data sets is not enough to learn robust models with generalizable features. Instead, an ideal training set should be diverse enough and contain enough …
Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis Across Signals, Images, And Networks,
2024
Dartmouth College
Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis Across Signals, Images, And Networks, Felicia Schenkelberg
Dartmouth College Master’s Theses
This research delves into the transformative potential of Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis (GMRA) as a robust tool for dimensionality reduction and data analysis in the context of high-dimensional graphs. Statistical techniques for classification have historically been tailored for scenarios wherein the number of observations significantly exceeds the number of features, a paradigm characteristic of low-dimensional datasets. However, recent advancements in technologies have ushered in a transformative era in data collection practices across diverse domains, resulting in the acquisition of extensive feature measurements. As a result of this shift, datasets have transitioned into a high-dimensional realm wherein the number of features significantly …
Design And Application Of Smart Systems To Address Analytical Problems,
2024
Clemson University
Design And Application Of Smart Systems To Address Analytical Problems, Lucas B. Ayres
All Dissertations
This dissertation is a multidisciplinary effort that integrates low-cost analytical instrumentation, redox chemistry, and artificial intelligence to overcome existing limitations in the fields of wearable sensing technology, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), and antioxidant chemistry. The overall goal behind each implemented strategy is to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of analytical processes and technologies. A general overview of the thesis, along with the research outcomes is included in Chapter One. The theoretical framework of this dissertation is presented in Chapter Two. Chapter Three describes the development of a wearable platform (sensor and instrumentation) to rapidly detect (~20 minutes) S. aureus …
