UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recently launched their ‘Digital Security by Design Challenge’, investing in projects that help the UK digital computing infrastructure to become more secure.

The scope of the challenge includes implementing updated hardware architecture, developing the software and system development tools that will run on it, and demonstration in at least two industry sectors.

Cybersecurity is a major UK government strategic priority. The World Economic Forum Risks Report 2018 lists data fraud or theft and cyber-attacks as a key global risk.

CSIT and Pytilia, both based in Belfast, are working in collaboration with Cambridge University and ARM to develop hardware and software solutions to strengthen the UK’s cybersecurity industry.

Pytilia is a new member to the strong cyber security ecosystem in Northern Ireland. Founded in the 2020 lockdown by Angela Montgomery and Tim Silversides, the company provides consultancy services and software solutions to target specific cyber challenges. Pytilia operates in the financial services, healthcare and IT infrastructure sectors.

Together with CSIT, the UK Innovation & Knowledge Centre for cyber security, Pytilia are working on innovative software solutions to secure the next generation of IT infrastructure solutions.

This project will investigate the use of DSbD (Digital Security By Design) technologies in the context of a packet processing application stack. It aims to demonstrate the use of bounds and permissions enforcement and memory compartmentalisation at the packet processing and classification layer of a userspace networking application, through the adaptation of a widely-used networking development kit (DPDK).

Dr David Wilson, Engineering Director, CSIT commented: “We are really excited to collaborate with Pytilia, Cambridge University and ARM to develop both hardware and software solutions that will truly enhance the UK’s cyber security response and help to reduce the risk of data fraud and cyber-attacks globally.”

Angela Montgomery, Pytilia Co-Founder, added: “We’re excited to be participating in the Digital Security By Design Challenge to build the next generation of secure IT infrastructure. Collaborating with CSIT was an easy decision for us as their technical and domain knowledge complement our in house expertise.”