Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Associated Faculty

“The support and collaboration within the IST community at Mason has helped me build the confidence and skills to tackle real challenges in cybersecurity. From internships to Capstone, I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in meaningful ways. I’m excited for what’s next.”

— Veronika (Nikki) Jack, current Information Technology student

Cybersecurity research at IST focuses on safeguarding complex digital systems through a combination of foundational and applied approaches.

Our work includes improving software security by automatically detecting vulnerabilities and generating effective security patches in real-world open-source and proprietary systems. We explore the intersection of AI and security—both addressing vulnerabilities in current AI/ML solutions and leveraging AI/ML techniques to solve existing cybersecurity challenges. Another core area involves the development of adaptive virtualized systems that enhance protection by employing moving target defense strategies and deploying realistic deceptive decoys to mislead attackers.

Our research spans key subfields such as software security, system security, network security, AI/ML security, moving target defense, and cybersecurity strategies and policies. Through this interdisciplinary work, IST is advancing next-generation security solutions that are intelligent, adaptive, and resilient.

3D rendering of a security system concept
Build the Next Generation of Cybersecurity
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Concentrate in Cybersecurity (CYBR) to gain the skills and experience needed to support cutting-edge research in secure systems, intelligent threat detection, and adaptive cyber defense strategies.

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