CYBER-DEFENCE FELLOWSHIPS: Daniel Dorigatti

• How did you find out about the CYD Fellowships and what motivated you to apply?

I discovered the CYD Fellowships through a friend who had previously been awarded one. They spoke highly of the research environment and the opportunities available at the CYD Campus. What really motivated me to apply was the chance to work on critical cyber-defence issues with access to top-notch resources and a network of experts in the field.

• What was your CYD Fellowship project about?

My CYD Fellowship project aimed to tackle the problem of GPS jamming and spoofing in aviation. I developed a method for aircraft localization that doesn't rely on GNSS, using technologies like ADS-B and TCAS instead. This project was crucial for improving aviation safety by providing alternative navigation methods when traditional systems are compromised.

• What were the advantages of conducting your master thesis project at the CYD Campus?

One of the biggest advantages was the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Being at CYD Campus allowed me to interact with experts from various fields, which enriched my research. Additionally, the proximity to industry partners provided real-world insights and data, which were invaluable. The mentorship and support I received were also key in advancing my project.

• Did you as a child dream of working in cyber-defence?

As a child, my fascination was more with technology in general rather than cyber-defence specifically. However, my growing interest in how technology systems are protected against emerging threats naturally led me to the field of cyber-defence as I pursued higher education.

• What is driving you to pursue research in cyber-defence?

My main motivation is the desire to contribute to the safety and security of critical systems, especially in aviation. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats poses significant risks, and I’m driven by the challenge of developing innovative solutions to counter these threats.

• What is the most important lesson you have learned in your scientific career so far?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of persistence and resilience. Research can be a long and challenging journey, with many setbacks and unexpected results. But sticking with an idea and continually refining it, even when others are skeptical, can lead to significant breakthroughs. This perseverance is crucial for making meaningful contributions to the field.

• What are you most proud of in your career to date?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of in my career so far is my contribution to the "Air-Bus Hijacking: Silently Taking over Avionics Systems" project. In this project, we conducted a thorough analysis of the ARINC 429 avionics data bus, which is widely used in aviation. Our work focused on assessing and mitigating potential risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the messages transmitted via this system.

• Outside the lab, what do you enjoy doing most?

Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active and connected through a variety of different activities and spending quality time with friends and family.

• What were your expectations about the CYD Fellowships?

I expected the CYD Fellowships to provide a robust platform for advanced research and networking opportunities. My experience has gone above and beyond those expectations. The fellowship offered excellent resources, mentorship, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts, which greatly enhanced my research work.

• Could you share some tips with future applicants who are considering applying for the CYD Fellowships?

My advice to future applicants is to be clear and passionate about your research goals. Show how your work can address real-world challenges in cyber-defence. Reach out to potential mentors and collaborators to get their insights and feedback on your proposal. Start your application early, so you have plenty of time to refine it and make it as strong as possible.