CYBER-DEFENCE FELLOWSHIPS: Raphael Monstein and Benoit Figuet

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

We were both employed at the ZHAW and were already in contact with the CYD Campus. While working on our concept, we talked with the CYD and they suggested the Proof of Concept Fellowship. It looked like a perfect match for us.

• What was your CYD Fellowship project about?

The goal of the fellowship is to enhance our solution for monitoring GPS interference using airplanes as sensors. This technology enables us to detect and analyze jamming and spoofing in real-time that can pose risks to aviation and other critical infrastructures. It also provided us with an opportunity to understand the market and develop our business case.

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

The most important advantage is the financial support, which gave us the possibility to dedicate significant time and resources to developing our solution. Coming from an aviation background and being relatively new to the cyber-defence domain, we greatly benefited from the mentoring and expertise of CYD domain specialists. Finally, the fellowship opened doors to key CYD partners and stakeholders we would not have been able to reach otherwise.
Ultimately, we already have companies integrating the solution we have developed, and this would not have been possible without the fellowship.

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

No, however we find it a very interesting and are happy to work at the intersection between aviation and cyber-defence.

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

Cyber-defence is a fascinating and vast field with many different challenges. It is at the leading edge of technology and continues to evolve. From the perspective of a curious engineer or researcher, what’s not to like?

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

We have learned not to underestimate the potential impact of research. When we first developed our GPS interference detection method, we saw it mainly as a technical achievement and doubted there was a business case. To our surprise, airlines and other companies soon approached us to integrate the data into their operations. The lesson for us was that research can create value in ways you don’t immediately foresee.

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

The data generated by our detection system is already being used by many airlines to enhance flight safety. Knowing that our work has a direct, real-world impact on protecting passengers and crews is deeply rewarding.

• What were your expectations about the CYD Fellowships?

We expected the fellowship to provide financial support and mentoring to develop our idea further, mentorship from CYD experts, as well as opportunities to connect with partners and stakeholders in the cyber-defense ecosystem.

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

If you have an idea or a concept that you are interested in, and you would like to pursue it: Go for it and contact the CYD!

It is an excellent way to work on something you are passionate about. The application process is efficient and reasonably structured. The bureaucracy is kept to a minimum while still ensuring high quality in the approved applicants.