CYBER-DEFENCE FELLOWSHIPS: Hamza Abid

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

I initially applied for a master thesis position at the CYD Campus, but on a different subject. After the interview, the team made me realize that the project I applied for was better suited for an internship rather than a full master thesis. However, they saw potential in my profile and encouraged me to look at other available thesis topics on their website. They specifically recommended applying for the CYD Fellowship with a project that was better aligned with my background and academic goals. That guidance was really helpful: I found a subject I really liked and decided to pursue the fellowship opportunity.

• What was your CYD Fellowship project about?

My CYD Fellowship project focuses on enhancing traffic obfuscation in wide-area networks. The goal is to make network communications more resilient against traffic analysis attacks, which can reveal sensitive information even when the data itself is encrypted.

I’m building on an existing architecture called Ditto, which was developed by my supervisor. While Ditto introduced an innovative approach to obfuscation, it has certain limitations that my project aims to address.

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

Conducting my master thesis at the CYD Campus was a valuable experience. I had direct access to experts in cybersecurity and worked closely with an excellent and supportive supervisor, which made a big difference in the quality of my research. The CYD Fellowship also provided generous financial support, which gave me the freedom to fully focus on my project without added stress and, overall, the working conditions were excellent.

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

I’ve always loved science and especially computer science. From a young age, I was curious about how things work - and how to break or hack them to understand them better.

I’ve also always had a strong sense of justice, so even though I didn’t grow up specifically dreaming of working in cyber-defence, I think it aligns perfectly with who I’ve always been. It brings together my technical curiosity and my desire to protect people and systems from harm.

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

I’m naturally drawn to problem-solving, and computer science has always stimulated me intellectually. What makes cyber-defence particularly appealing is that it combines that technical challenge with real-world impact - it creates meaningful jobs that help protect systems and people.

I don’t see myself as a pure researcher - I’m more of an engineer at heart - but I see research as a valuable experience to deepen my understanding. Cyber-defence requires a strong grasp of how systems are supposed to work, and I find it really satisfying to explore how those intended behaviors can be bypassed or secured.

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

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to wait until I fully understand all the theory before trying something out. In the past, I used to spend a lot of time trying to understand every detail upfront, but I’ve realized that real progress often comes from diving in - trying, breaking, fixing, and learning as you go.

When you’re passionate about something, it’s better to start building and experimenting early. You absorb the theory more naturally along the way, and your understanding becomes much deeper and more practical

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

What I’m most proud of in my career is not a specific title or achievement, but the journey - and the people who’ve made it possible. I’ve worked hard, but none of what I’ve accomplished would have happened without the support and guidance of others. I’m proud and deeply grateful to have been surrounded by people who believed in me: my wife, my parents, my grandparents, my in-laws, aunts, uncles, friends, and many others God has placed in my life.

Getting into the EPFL’s Master program in Cybersecurity through an unconventional path, and later being awarded the CYD Fellowship, are moments I’m very thankful for. These milestones meant a lot to me, but what matters most is that I didn’t walk that path alone. I had support at every step, and I’m grateful for it.

Being Muslim is at the core of how I live and work, and I truly see these milestones as blessings — not just personal success. That’s what I’m most proud of: staying true to my principles, and being lifted by the people and faith that surround me.

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

Outside the lab, I really enjoy participating in CTFs and working on projects to sharpen my cybersecurity skills - both offensive and defensive, though I have a soft spot for offensive techniques.

I’m also very active physically; I love playing sports, which helps me stay balanced. In my downtime, I enjoy watching movies and series, and I’m always curious about learning new things - not just in computer science, but across other areas of science too.

Honestly, I have a wide range of interests and I’m rarely ever bored - I enjoy exploring and staying engaged with both technical and non-technical things.

• What were your expectations about the CYD Fellowships?

To be honest, I didn’t have specific expectations going into the CYD Fellowship – I was mainly focused on the opportunity to work on a project I cared about. But I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and supportive everyone at the CYD Campus was.

What really stood out was how understanding and thoughtful my supervisor was. He created a working environment that truly supported my learning and helped me focus on doing my best work - not just technically, but also in terms of well-being and productivity.

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

My main advice is simple: go for it. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Be honest, be yourself, and apply - whether it's for the CYD Fellowship or a project at the CYD Campus. It’s a great opportunity, and taking the first step is often the most important one.