Western Professor Awarded $500,000 NCC Research and Development Grant for Groundbreaking AI Cybersecurity Project
Dr. Apurva, a professor in Computer Science and Engineering at Western University, has recently secured a $500,000 NCC Research and Development Grant for his groundbreaking work on adaptive AI firewalls. This initiative, titled Adaptive AI Firewall Specializing in the Protection of AI Models, Critical Infrastructure, Systems, and Agents, seeks to revolutionize cybersecurity by protecting critical infrastructures and AI models from advanced, AI-driven threats.
The need for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been more pressing. Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication, often powered by AI technologies. Dr. Apurva’s journey to this project began in his early research with autonomous systems. His experiences at the University of Waterloo and UBC sparked his interest in ensuring the safety of these systems as they become integral to modern infrastructure. Today, he is focused on safeguarding systems like cell networks, nuclear power plants, and corporate IT infrastructures. “AI technology is everywhere now, from our cell phones to critical safety systems. It’s crucial to make sure these systems are trustworthy and secure,” he explains.
Traditional firewalls often struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cyber threats driven by AI agents. Dr. Apurva’s adaptive firewall aims to change that by learning in real-time and adapting to new threats without requiring constant updates. The project’s ultimate goal is to create a plug-and-play solution that government agencies and private corporations can implement seamlessly, enhancing protection for Canadians against evolving cyber risks.
The NCC Research and Development grant will enable Dr. Apurva’s team to hire specialized researchers, acquire cutting-edge equipment, and collaborate with industry leaders like Sygen AI. By the end of the three-year program, they aim to have a working prototype ready for deployment, contributing significantly to national security and advancing Western’s presence in cybersecurity and AI research.
This project will also integrate into Western’s “living lab” model, allowing adaptive AI technologies to be applied in real-world scenarios on campus. Dr. Apurva sees it as part of a larger, ongoing challenge in cybersecurity. “It’s a constant tug-of-war with attackers and defenders—AI-driven attackers are continuously evolving, so our defenses must do the same,” he says. His vision is a future where adaptive AI firewalls evolve as swiftly as the threats they guard against, creating a safer digital landscape for everyone.
As this innovative project unfolds, it not only marks a promising start for Dr. Apurva and his team but also positions Western University at the cutting edge of cybersecurity innovation, paving the way for future advancements in this critical field.
Dr. Apurva Narayan
Traditional firewalls often struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of cyber threats driven by AI agents. Dr. Apurva’s adaptive firewall aims to change that by learning in real-time and adapting to new threats without requiring constant updates. The project’s ultimate goal is to create a plug-and-play solution that government agencies and private corporations can implement seamlessly, enhancing protection for Canadians against evolving cyber risks.
The NCC Research and Development grant will enable Dr. Apurva’s team to hire specialized researchers, acquire cutting-edge equipment, and collaborate with industry leaders like Sygen AI. By the end of the three-year program, they aim to have a working prototype ready for deployment, contributing significantly to national security and advancing Western’s presence in cybersecurity and AI research.
This project will also integrate into Western’s “living lab” model, allowing adaptive AI technologies to be applied in real-world scenarios on campus. Dr. Apurva sees it as part of a larger, ongoing challenge in cybersecurity. “It’s a constant tug-of-war with attackers and defenders—AI-driven attackers are continuously evolving, so our defenses must do the same,” he says. His vision is a future where adaptive AI firewalls evolve as swiftly as the threats they guard against, creating a safer digital landscape for everyone.
As this innovative project unfolds, it not only marks a promising start for Dr. Apurva and his team but also positions Western University at the cutting edge of cybersecurity innovation, paving the way for future advancements in this critical field.
