Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development , provide access to justice for all and build effective , accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
16.1 EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Investigating resilient computing and cybersecurity
The
Resilient Computing and Cybersecurity Center ( RC3 ), was inaugurated in December 2020 to deliver an ambitious strategic research program in Resilient Computing , and to create critical mass and expertise in Cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia . As societies evolve and migrate to the digital domain , institutions need to ensure online systems are safe and protected against threats such as cyber attacks or personal data leaks , and that digital crimes are prevented and identified swiftly .
To research solutions that support and ensure the security and resilience of critical information infrastructure , the center established several projects over 2021 and 2022 over different research frameworks such as robust and adaptive fault and intrusion tolerance ; ultra-reliable micro trusted execution environments , privacy and integritypreserving data processing , next-generation threat and intrusion detection / prevention systems , and highconfidence vertical software verification .
Panel Discussion | The intertwining of Resilience , Cybersecurity and AI
Protecting energy grids from cyberattacks
Power grids are growing more complex everyday . As energy demand rises at a fast pace , attacks to energy infrastructures may have a catastrophic impact in terms of peace and safety . Microgrids try to minimize this threat , as they can operate independently of the main grid when required , by supporting hospitals during natural disasters , or maintaining biobanks . However , microgrids can still be prone to malicious behaviour .
KAUST researchers from the Resilient Computing and Cybersecurity Center
published a study in 2022 where an assessment of how cyberattacks on energy microgrids could impact their functioning . The team simulated different cyberattack strategies to test the resilience of those systems . The results showed that all tested scenarios could have damaging effects that cascade through the power system , inducing large costs , power losses and damage to equipment . To help with solutions , the team suggested effective methods to quickly and accurately detect the anomalous conditions associated with an incoming attack .
16.2 OPERATIONS
KAUST wins security team of the year award
After the Covid-19 outbreak , and the ensuing lockdowns , KAUST implemented a strategic approach focused on its operations , ensuring sufficient number of leaders and security personnel to manage security operations . The Security team also deployed an approved entry list of vendors and suppliers , which were regularly monitored for COVID-19 infection , and reduced community exposure to any contractors coming in and out of KAUST on a regular basis . KAUST ’ s success in dealing with the pandemic also relied on the digitalization of 80 % of provided services to the more than 7000 residents , maximizing the safety of the community .
36 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT