Malicious malware, electric charging research projects at Oshawa university earn $560,000 in funding

Two cybersecurity research projects at Ontario Tech University have earned nearly $560,000 in funding over four years from a Canadian network that supports research and development initiatives in new technology.

A project at the university building defences against malicious malware will see its funding boosted by more than $382,000 through a grant from the federally funded National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC), while an initiative targeting the enhancement of electric vehicle charging security will earn $175,294.

The Ontario Tech projects supported under this program highlight the university’s work being conducted through the Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems, a multi-disciplinary, global centre at the Oshawa school focusing on cybersecurity research, innovation, teaching, and outreach.

The federal funding also underscores the university’s role as a leader in promoting technological innovation that aligns with global cybersecurity needs, ensuring resilience and proactive measures against emerging threats. Ontario Tech’s two projects are among 37 across Canada receiving a total of $22.8 million in funding this year under the program.

Developing generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) models that can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes against the “sophisticated and evolving” threat of in malicious code mutation is at the heart of the ant-malware project, headed by Dr. Pooria Madani, an assistant professor at Ontario Tech.

“The use of artificial intelligence in developing advanced malware is a stark example of how AI can be weaponized,” he said. “To safeguard our future security, we must take action today.”

Dr. Poora Madani, Ontario Tech University

Metamorphic malware is a type of malicious software that rewrites or ‘mutates’ its code structure with each execution or system infection. The ability of metamorphic malware to preserve its malicious functionality while altering its structure makes it both “stealthy and highly lethal,” Madani said, posing a “significant challenge” as it evades traditional detection methods. Recent advancements in AI, particularly GPT models – AI algorithms that teach computers to process information and create new content and ideas like a human brain would – have demonstrated potential in automating code mutation processes, raising concerns about their misuse for creating more adaptive and evasive malware, he added.

“This research will help us better understand these capabilities and develop strategies to mitigate the risks, contributing to stronger, more adaptive cybersecurity defenses.”

The second project funded through the NCC is all about enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure cybersecurity through AI, with Dr. Li Yang as the principal investigator.

This project addresses the “critical need for robust cybersecurity” in electric vehicle charging stations, Yang said. As EV adoption grows, traditional cybersecurity mechanisms, like intrusion detection systems, struggle to counter evolving cyber threats due to limited adaptability, high energy demands, and centralized architectures.

Dr. Li Yang at Ontario Tech University

This project will “revolutionize” EV charging-station security, he added, by developing autonomous, optimized, sustainable, and privacy-enhanced detection systems using advanced AI technologies.

“These innovations will enable real-time, energy-efficient, and decentralized threat detection, ensuring network stability, protection of consumer data, and support for the expansion of clean energy solutions.”

By enhancing EV charging-station security, the research is also expected to bolster public confidence in EV infrastructure, aid smart city development and support Canada’s transition to electric mobility, Yang noted.

“Our work to enhance the cybersecurity of electrical vehicle charging stations is not just about safeguarding infrastructure; it is also about building trust in and encouraging the adoption of electric transportation, supporting smart cities, and contributing to Canada’s clean energy future.”