Project Description:
This project aims to fortify Internet freedom by uncovering and addressing vulnerabilities within digital tools used for circumventing censorship and surveillance, especially in authoritarian regimes. Building upon research that exposed flaws in VPNs, we’ll investigate the susceptibility of VPNs, Tor, and I2P to inference and hijacking attacks, critical for safeguarding user privacy and free expression. Additionally, we’ll scrutinize apps and operating systems suspected of enabling surveillance or censorship. Expanding our scope, we’ll analyze radio frequency patterns emitted by devices to detect potential information controls. By identifying and mitigating these vulnerabilities, we strive to empower at-risk populations with enhanced access to uncensored information, ensuring their fundamental rights to privacy, free speech, and access to information are preserved in the digital age.
Prerequisites
Prospective participants ideally have completed coursework like CSCI210, delving into advanced programming concepts and computer organization. However, essential skills for the project can be acquired and applied during the summer. Proficiency in C and Assembly languages is advantageous, though not mandatory.
Special Comments
Project Information
Estimated Start Date: 6/3/2024
Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024
Maximum number of students sought: 3
Contact Information: Prof. William Tolley (wtolley@wlu.edu)