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One step ahead of hackers in the event of the next cyber attack

The KTH Ethical Hacking Lab is a powerful effort to strengthen the cyber security of society. This is particularly important in the vulnerable areas of energy systems, autonomous vehicles and smart houses. The goal is to achieve a major reinforcement of our IT defenses against threats and attacks.

At the KTH Ethical Hacking Lab, students and researchers will take on existing or forthcoming systems and products by thinking like a hacker. This approach makes it easier to find security holes and protect IT systems. Thinking like a hacker makes it possible to stay one step ahead of the next cyber attack.

Here the researchers conduct practical evaluations of the information security of computer networks and products. Effective defence against cyber attacks requires a comprehensive knowledge of an attacker's capabilities and an understanding of the structure of various products and systems.

Coveted students

This field is known as ethical hacking. KTH was among the first universities in Sweden to develop courses in ethical hacking. Here, students learn various types of tools and approaches used to actively attack an IT infrastructure or system. This knowledge makes them extremely coveted contributors in all parts of society.

The area is seen as vital to strengthening society's defences against the threats and shortcomings inherent in comprehensive digitalisation. KTH has developed methods for finding security vulnerabilities in the computer networks used by companies and government authorities, as well as in everyday technological products.

Socially critical areas

The next step is now being taken to strengthen the leading research and education environment known as the KTH Ethical Hacking Lab. This effort may prove crucial for improving the safety of future energy systems, autonomous vehicles and intelligent property management. These focus areas have been chosen because they are critical to the functioning of society. They are also growing very rapidly as a result of the digitalisation, robotisation and automation of society.

The KTH Ethical Hacking Lab is an important step forward in strengthening the safety and security of tomorrow's society through targeted research and education.

Key persons

Robert Lagerström, Associate Professor (Cyber Security, Threat Modelling, Smart Cities, Smart Cars)

Pontus Johnson, Professor (Penetration Testing, Cyber Defence)

Mathias Ekstedt, Professor (Attack Simulation, Critical Infrastructure)

All are located at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)

KTH's initiative

We wish to build on the strong research and educational environment of the KTH Ethical Hacking Lab to strengthen the cybersecurity of society. Now we need additional funding to develop methods and tools in the fields of energy systems, autonomous vehicles and intelligent property management.

Why KTH?

Sweden is among the world leaders in digitalisation and innovation. The university already offers courses in the crucial area of ethical hacking. KTh is also training the cyber soldiers of the future on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces. Within the framework of the European research project EnergyShield, we are developing new cyber security tools that will secure electricity grids and energy companies in Europe. By combining our unique competence in this field with close collaboration with companies and government authorities, we can lead the way to better cyber security.

How will we achieve our goals?

The KTH Ethical Hacking Lab is already a growing research and development environment at KTH. At the same time, we see an increasing need for additional knowledge. Therefore, we require funding for a targeted investment in additional infrastructure, several postdocs and PhD students, and long-term access to research engineers. Together we can help to strengthen Sweden's position as an IT nation in the form of a more secure and safer society.