Monthly Archives: May 2015

iOS Interprocess Communication Security and the Universal Authentication Framework Protocol

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Dr. William J. Blanke
Nok Nok Labs, Palo Alto, CA USA

 

iOS Interprocess Communication Security and the Universal Authentication Framework Protocol (slides)

Time & Date: 5 pm – 6 pm, May 26th, 2015.
Location:
E103, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y4X8 (parking info).

Talk Abstract: The Universal Authentication Framework (UAF) protocol is a newly ratified, public key cryptography-based standard from the FIDO Alliance that supplants the common shared-secret login password. To achieve this, a UAF client on a user’s device mints public key pairs on a per-relying party basis, and registers the public key with the relying party server. The UAF client then manages the private keys, which are used to sign server-generated authentication challenges. The prior-registered server-side public keys are then used to verify the signed challenge responses in order to authenticate the user session.

On the iOS platform, the UAF client can exist as a standalone app that services authentication requests from other apps (termed relying party apps in UAF parlance) via custom URL schemes for interprocess communication. This presentation first will identify the strengths of using custom URL schemes for communication between relying party apps and a standalone UAF client. Second, the presentation will analyze the threats to this approach and will illustrate their mitigation by the UAF standard.

Speaker Biography: I graduated with my BSE from Duke University (2015 NCAA champs! Go Blue Devils!), MS from the University of Virginia, and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. I specialize in security software for Windows, iOS, and Android. Currently as the mobile lead architect at Nok Nok Labs, a Silicon Valley startup, I helped create the first FIDO enabled multifactor authentication client for Android and iOS. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S5, you might already be using our software! My security focus results from a decade as a technical director at PGP Corporation (a division at Symantec), where I developed the PGP product line for Windows, Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and iOS. Previously, I taught graduate and undergraduate courses as a lecturer of Computer Science at the University of the South Pacific, in Suva, Fiji Islands.

 Refreshments will be provided. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry at ieee.org).
Registration Page: https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/34489

Smart Grid: Opportunities and Challenges

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 Sabbir Ahmad, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Manager of Engineering, Transmission & Distribution
Amec Foster Wheeler, Vancouver

Smart Grid: Opportunities and Challenges

Time & Date: 5 pm – 6 pm, May 11th, 2015
Location: EME 1151, UBC, Okanagan Campus, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7

Talk Abstract: Smart grid represents the next generation electrical power grid that will integrate modern information, communications, and power technologies to improve the control, efficiency, reliability and safety of energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. In this talk, the presenter will present some case studies of smart grid system implementations in North America.

Speaker Biography: Dr. Sabbir Ahmad received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Victoria, BC, Canada, 2008. Dr. Ahmad has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, planning, research and project management, mainly for transmission and distribution projects in Asia, Europe and North America. Currently, he is a manager of Engineering, Transmission & Distribution, with the global engineering & project management service provider Amec Foster Wheeler. He is also a registered Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) with APEGBC and PEO, a member of IEEE as well.

 Refreshments will be provided. For further information please contact:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: youry at ieee.org) and to
Md.  Jahangir Hossain, Ph.D., P.Eng. jahangir.hossain at ubc.ca
Registration Page: (https://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/m/34626)