Shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity

By Paul Alongi, Clemson University

Innovations at Clemson University are helping protect devices from hackers, kids from cyberbullies and social media users from privacy intrusions.

Shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity

By Paul Alongi, Clemson University

Innovations at Clemson University are helping protect devices from hackers, kids from cyberbullies and social media users from privacy intrusions.

Clemson University researchers are bringing together two of the computing world’s most in-demand fields– cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to help protect internet users from a wide range of threats.

Two of the most recent highlights involve Feng Luo and Bart Knijnenburg, both faculty members in the School of Computing.

Luo and his team have developed a system, DeepPower, that detects malware attacks against internet-connected devices, such as cameras, that are too small for anti-virus software. He and his collaborators have also created MCDefender, which works to detect and prevent cyberbullying on social media.

Knijnenburg and his team have developed a system that learns internet users’ privacy preferences and recommends privacy settings similar to how Netflix recommends movies. It would help eliminate the need to read pages of privacy policies or click through privacy settings that for some people can be difficult to find.

Amy Apon, the C. Tycho Howle Director of the School of Computing, said the Luo and Knijnenburg work are examples of the innovative research happening in the school.

“Clemson University’s School of Computing is at the forefront of research at the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence,” she said. “We are working across disciplines and institutions to find solutions in some of the most challenging fields, including Internet of Things, cyberbullying and privacy. Further, we are adding talent in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence and are recruiting multiple new faculty members. In the School of Computing, we are shaping the future.” 

We are working across disciplines and institutions to find solutions in some of the most challenging fields, including Internet of Things, cyberbullying and privacy.

Amy Apon, C. Tycho Howle Director of the School of Computing

Read more about the work of Luo and Knijnenburg.

Feng Luo
Marvin J. Pinson, Jr. ’46 Distinguished Professor

Bart Knijnenburg
Assistant Professor