Daud Olatunji
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the cutting-edge labs of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Sherifdeen Lawal is a testament to the brilliance and dedication of Nigerian scholars making their mark on the global stage.
His work, focused on the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, is not only groundbreaking but also crucial to protecting our increasingly interconnected world.
Dr. Lawal’s journey began with a deep understanding of the intricacies of Electrical Engineering and computer science – a foundation built upon his expertise in discrete mathematics, computer programming, data structures, and algorithm design. It’s this foundation that allows him to delve into the complex world of access control, a vital aspect of digital security.
One of his key areas of focus is Kubernetes, an open-source platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Imagine Kubernetes as a sophisticated orchestra conductor, managing a symphony of applications running across numerous servers, ensuring smooth operation and seamless resource allocation.
Dr. Lawal’s contribution here is significant. His work on formalizing and extending Kubernetes access control ensures that only authorized users can access and manipulate critical data, preventing malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities.
He’s essentially building a robust, multi-layered security system for the digital world, where sensitive information is constantly at risk.
But Dr. Lawal’s ambition doesn’t stop there. His doctoral dissertation explored Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), a more granular approach to security that goes beyond traditional role-based models.
He even designed a smart-contract-based ABAC model for permissioned blockchain systems, using the global Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) as a case study.
This groundbreaking work paves the way for secure and transparent transactions in the rapidly growing world of blockchain technology.
Dr. Lawal also understands the importance of access control policy review – essentially, audits that ensure the systems are functioning as intended and vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
This is crucial for compliance with regulations and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. His work in this area has further solidified his position as a leader in the field of cybersecurity.
Currently, Dr. Lawal is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) at the University of Texas San Antonio, Texas. His ongoing research, in collaboration with the American Agency – National Institute of Standards and Technology, focuses on leveraging the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) to revolutionize access control. This research includes three key areas:
- Automation of Access Control Policy Translation: Using LLMs to translate complex access control policies into easily understandable formats, streamlining security management.
- Real-time Adaptive Access Control: Developing dynamic access control systems that can adjust in real-time based on changing threats and user behavior.
- Adaptive Threat Response: Building systems that use LLMs to detect and respond to emerging threats in a proactive and efficient manner.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Lawal aims to harness the power of LLMs like Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) to automate systems penetration testing, particularly for Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs), like the electric-power grid.
Given recent cyberattacks on power grids, this work is crucial in preventing potentially catastrophic disruptions. Cyber attacks on electric power grids can lead to fatal consequences, from blackouts affecting millions to disruptions in other critical services.
Dr. Lawal’s vision is to develop AI-powered systems that can proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, safeguarding critical infrastructure from malicious actors.
Dr. Sherifdeen Lawal’s story is a reminder of the immense potential of Nigerian scholars and the importance of investing in their education and research. His work is a beacon of hope in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, demonstrating the power of innovation and the responsibility of protecting our digital future.
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