Intel and FAPESP launch call for research proposals

Security projects for the Internet of Things will be considered Intel Brasil and FAPESP announced a call for security research projects for new devices for the Internet of Things, based on a cooperation agreement signed in June. The call will include security projects in SoC devices (systems on a chip), through the development of encryption techniques, data communication protocols and software execution methods. The process is open to researchers linked to Higher Education and Research Institutions in the State of São Paulo, public or private, not for profit. Researchers have until February 21, 2014 to submit their projects.

The announcement is part of the investments that Intel has brought to Brazil through the Intel Strategic Research Alliance (ISRA) launched in early 2013. The call is in search of research in security systems resistant to a type of attack known as a side-channel attack, a type of vulnerability that exploits physical aspects of a system – such as runtime or chip power consumption – to crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to devices. The proposed solutions should increase the collateral channel attack requirements by up to 100 times, that is, making this type of attack virtually impossible.

The Intel Strategic Research Alliance began with projects focused on developing security and encryption solutions for systems-on-a-chip in low-power environments. In addition, the investment also includes the development of a security curriculum for engineering, computing and information technology courses, seeking to better prepare future technology professionals in Brazil. “Broad and unrestricted access to connected devices creates greater opportunities for criminals to exploit available information,” commented Max Leite, director of innovation at Intel Brazil. "We expect connected devices to multiply in the coming years and we have to anticipate the security challenges this trend will present."

“The agreement for collaborative research between INTEL and FAPESP will contribute to the intensification of university-enterprise research collaboration in the State of São Paulo, which is an important objective of FAPESP”, said Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz, scientific director of FAPESP.  

Interested parties should access the Call for Proposals at site from FAPESP to learn about all eligibility requirements, documents and deadlines. Information is available at this link: www.fapesp.br/8282