Title: Software Protection and Assurance using Process-level Virtualization (Joint Sandia CSRI & UNM Computer Science Distinguished Lecture Series) Speaker: Jack Davidson, University of Virginia Date/Time: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 10:00 am Mountain Time Location: CSRI Building/Room 90 (Sandia NM) and 915/S101 in CA Brief Abstract: In this talk, I give a brief introduction to software dynamic translation (SDT), a powerful technology that has proven useful for addressing various computer security issues. To illustrate the power and utility of software dynamic translation, I describe the application of software dynamic translation to two aspects of cyber security—software protection and software assurance. Software protection is concerned with protecting intellectual property and preventing an adversary from tampering with a software application. Software assurance is concerned with ensuring that software is free from system vulnerabilities. I conclude the talk by briefly describing a new project, PEASOUP (Preventing Exploits against Software of Uncertain Provenance) that relies heavily on SDT. I enumerate some of the key research challenges that must be addressed for PEASOUP to be successful. Biography: Jack Davidson is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia. He joined the faculty in 1981 after receiving his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Arizona. Professor Davidson’s research interests include compilers, programming languages, computer architecture, embedded systems, and computer security. He is the author of more than 140 papers in these fields. Professor Davidson’s current research is focused on computer security. He is the principal investigator on several ongoing grants from the National Science Foundation and other agencies to develop comprehensive methods for protecting software from malicious attacks. CSRI POC: S. Scott Collis, 505-284-1123 |