Supporting Safety and Security in Cyberspace
Just as we monitor our health, understand our surroundings, and take appropriate action when necessary, it is also important to understand the state of cyberspace and the environment around it, and to turn that knowledge into effective measures.
At SSLab, we call this approach Cyber Health Management.
We study networks and the Internet through measurement, data analysis, and software development, with the goal of contributing to a safer and more secure cyberspace.
Keeping networks healthy, just as we care for our own health.
Our Research — Three Perspectives
At SSLab, we approach safety and security in cyberspace from three complementary perspectives.
01 Understand the Normal State
We observe networks and systems to understand their usual behavior.
By analyzing large amounts of data, we look for unusual activity and signs of change, and investigate what those changes may mean.
02 Examine the Surrounding Environment
Security does not depend only on the system or device being examined.
We also collect and analyze information about the surrounding infrastructure that supports communication and online services, including DNS, the Web, servers, and digital certificates.
03 Turn Findings into Action
Observation and analysis are not the end of the research.
We examine the relationships between systems and their surrounding environments, and use what we learn to consider appropriate responses, countermeasures, and system designs while taking their effects and possible impacts into account.
Observe, Collect, and Analyze
Our research examines a wide range of information related to the Internet, including network traffic, DNS, the Web, servers, and digital certificates.
We build systems for collecting the data needed for research, analyze large datasets, and identify states, changes, and characteristic patterns.
When necessary, we also design and implement measurement and analysis software, as well as systems intended to address specific problems.
Our goal is not simply to collect data or build software. We use them as tools to understand what is happening and to explore how our findings can contribute to a safer and more secure cyberspace.
How We Conduct Research
Research at SSLab can begin in different ways.
One approach starts with observation. We collect data or examine a phenomenon, notice something interesting or unexpected, ask why it happens, develop a hypothesis, and investigate further.
Observe → Notice → Ask Why → Form a Hypothesis → Investigate Further
Another approach starts with a problem to be solved. We define the problem, design a method or system, implement it, evaluate the results, and improve the solution.
Define the Problem → Design → Implement → Evaluate → Improve
Depending on the research topic, we may move back and forth between these two approaches.
Research Outputs and Collaboration
Research results from SSLab are presented through academic conferences, workshops, and publications.
For publications and other research activities, please refer to the researcher profile:
[ Akira Sato — TRIOS Researcher Information ]
SSLab also conducts research in collaboration with researchers both within and outside the University of Tsukuba.