Dr. Kerstin Reulke
Communication Systems, Human-Machine Interaction, Health
We live in a digital world. Information technologies have long since come to dominate our lives – from smart homes to fully networked factories. Every single person interacts with digital systems on a daily basis and can be personally affected if, for example, passwords or digital identities are misused. The security and reliability of digital systems are now key factors in the economic success of companies and national economies.
Cybersecurity is designed to protect us in an increasingly data-driven world: from the exploitation of security vulnerabilities in software, from the misuse of data, and from future attacks using quantum computers. We see cybersecurity not as a product, but as a process.
The surface area for attacks on digital systems is constantly growing. The risk is particularly high when systems are inadequately secured. This affects private individuals, small and large companies, as well as scientific and government institutions.
As a project management agency, we actively support numerous research projects in fields such as “secure artificial intelligence,” “privacy-enhancing technologies,” “quantum communication,” and “post-quantum cryptography.” Artificial intelligence and quantum communication constantly pose new challenges for cybersecurity, but at the same time offer innovative solutions. Quantum communication, for example, uses the laws of quantum physics to exchange a cryptographic key between two parties in a way that is secure against eavesdropping. With quantum communication, quantum technologies already offer a response to the threat to current encryption technologies posed by powerful quantum computers. Only those who, like us, take a holistic view of cybersecurity can provide expert advice, analysis, support, and organization.
The goal of increasing the resilience and adaptability of IT infrastructure, known as cyber resilience, must not only apply to digital systems, but must also take into account the weakest link in the chain: as a rule, this is often the individual human being. Therefore, improving the user interface of security-critical systems should always be considered.
At the same time, every individual has a right to privacy and data protection. Privacy-enhancing technologies are therefore just as essential as targeted information and education through events and science communication – from specific specialist communities to the general public.
Advising, Analysing, Organising, Promoting
Our experts have been working on digital system security for many years. Drawing on our experience and the latest scientific findings, we advise on the design and implementation of research funding and other projects. We use our knowledge to support research and development at national and international level.
We provide advice and support for the rapid transfer of new IT security solutions into practice within the framework of project management and start-ups. We also support start-ups from the scientific community.
