The Networked Systems and ICS Security group is led by Dr Kieran McLaughlin.

This research explores security solutions for highly interconnected digital infrastructures that rely on ubiquitous network connectivity and pervasive digitalisation in the modern world. 

• High-performance network processing for cybersecurity, with a focus on datacentre and DPU technologies, and application of AI for threat detection in related networks. 

• Malware analysis and IoT security, including development of software-based threat mitigations for IoT devices and exploring tech-abuse in vulnerable sectors. 

• Performance-optimized security architectures and security functions for emerging networks e.g. Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) and space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGINs), specifically considering threat detection and protection mechanisms in programmable and intelligent networks.  

• Security and resilience in Industrial Control Systems (ICS), smart grids, SCADA and IT-OT networks, exploring Security-Enabling Digital Twins, security of Digital Twins, security of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and approaches such as reinforcement learning for automated and autonomous threat detection and response.