Sikdar Developing "Immunizations" To Safeguard Against Computer Viruses

Troy, N.Y. — Biplab Sikdar, assistant professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been awarded a Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the amount of $402,682 to develop "immunization" techniques to safeguard against the spread of computer viruses.

Computer viruses cause instabilities in the Internet's routers - devices that forward information from one network to another. Sikdar is merging biology and computer science to develop programs that will detect instabilities in the routers and shut down the flow of "contaminated" information.

To develop the programs, Sikdar will identify biological patterns found in epidemic disease models and in population models and apply the lessons learned to models that characterize the dynamic behavior of computer networks. By applying the biological data, Sikdar plans to develop "immunization" techniques to safeguard against the spread of computer viruses while strengthening the security and performance of networks.

"Homeland security and the economy have become increasingly dependent on computer networking," said Arthur Sanderson, vice president for research at Rensselaer. "As networks continue to grow in size and complexity, Sikdar's research is designed to help minimize the danger and risk associated with rapidly spreading computer viruses."

Sikdar's research will be incorporated into the classroom at Rensselaer through a combination of course materials and interactive learning modules. He will also use his research to develop a hands-on exhibit introducing grade-school children throughout New York's Capital Region to the dynamics of computer networks.

The CAREER Award is given to faculty members at the beginning of their careers and is one of the NSF's most competitive and prestigious awards, placing emphasis on high-quality research and novel education initiatives.

Sikdar joined the Rensselaer faculty in 2001. He earned a doctorate in electrical engineering in 2001 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a master's in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India, in 1998, and a bachelor's in electronics and communication engineering from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India, in 1996.

Contact: Mary Cimo
Phone: (518) 687-7174
E-mail: cimom@rpi.edu