Public defence in Computer Science, M.Sc. (Tech) Abu Ahmed

Title of the doctoral thesis: Advancing authentication for cellular networks and mobile users

Doctoral student: Abu Ahmed
Opponent: Prof. Kai Rannenberg, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Custos: Prof. Tuomas Aura, Aalto University School of Science, Department of Computer Science

Advancing authentication for cellular networks and mobile users 

Today, the cellular network provides connectivity and network services to billions of users. This broad adoption of the cellular network attracts increasing cyber attacks targeting the network and its users. Therefore, protecting the cellular network and its users is critical to provide the intended service. 

This thesis focuses on improving the authentication of the cellular network and mobile users. We do this by 1) analyzing the security of two popular cellular authentication protocols and 2) developing new security mechanisms for the existing systems. To achieve the first one, we identified the security goals of the protocols, applied model-checking techniques to verify the goals and identify security weaknesses, and suggested ways to improve the protocol. For the latter, we applied a transparency technique, i.e., a mechanism for the timely detection of malicious activities using the log records, to improve the security of the web PKI and eSIM. As a result of these works, we have contributed technologies and provided research-based input to the design and implementation of secure cellular networks.

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Doctoral theses in the School of Science: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/52