In-Network Security using Programmable Data Planes

Title of the Talk: In-Network Security using Programmable Data Planes
Speakers: Harish S A
Host Faculty: Maria Francis
Date: Sep 17, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Venue: CS - LH-1, EE/CS building

Abstract:
Agile and high-speed networks underpin today’s Internet as demand continues to grow. Programmable Data Planes (PDPs) mark the next step, enabling complex custom packet operations at line rate. PDP targets such as switches, SmartNICs, and languages to program them have accelerated the deployment of in-network functions while reducing processing and storage overheads. These advances have driven the emergence of in-network Fast Control Loop (FCL) systems that leverage programmable hardware for rapid feedback and reduced latency.

This talk explores three directions in advancing in-network security with programmable data planes. First, we design a scalable FCL system for IoT networks that monitors traffic to detect anomalies. Second, we analyse the security of FCL systems, focusing on those employing compact probabilistic data structures (CPDS), which are vulnerable to adversarial pollution. Third, we propose a mitigation framework to prevent and recover from such pollution attacks.

Bio:
My research explores the security implications of in-network systems that leverage emerging technologies such as software-defined networks and programmable data planes. Through the course of my PhD, in addition to serving as a teaching assistant, I contributed to collaborative projects with ASEAN countries, was awarded the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), and visited the University of Texas at Austin as a Fulbright Doctoral Research Fellow.