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Cube 5

Creating IT Security Startups

IT-Security

| Sonstiges

Survey: How can we trust an artificial intelligence (AI)?

It’s not just since the advent of ChatGPT that AI has been on the rise. In other words, many companies are either already using AI or are planning to do so. But in addition to new possibilities and opportunities, the development also harbors risks – both for individuals and for companies. The question therefore arises as to which conditions must be met so that users can trust AI manufacturers and use their AI solutions with confidence.

This is precisely the question that the Institute for Internet Security – if(is) has been addressing since the beginning of the year as part of the “TrustKI” research project. Based on this, a study is now being conducted to have the trustworthiness aspects that if(is) believes are crucial for users to build trust reviewed.The project team needs the support of user companies for this.

This is an excellent opportunity for user companies to participate, as it gives them the chance to work with if(is) to create the basis for a good relationship of trust between them and AI manufacturers.

Therefore the request: Join the survey and clarify what information you think is necessary for you to trust AI vendors and their AI solutions.

The survey takes about 25 minutes. All data will be treated anonymously.

To the survey

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.

More information on the project.

| Funding, StartUpSecure

Startup Radix Security secures StartUpSecure funding

The Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) is funding the Bochum-based IT security startup with a volume of 517,000 euros for one year.

With their technology, the Radix Security team aims to establish common security standards in 5G mobile networks and provide tools that enable in-depth and automated security evaluation of network components.
 
Radix Security was founded by Katharina Kohls and David Rupprecht: Rupprecht received his doctorate in 2020 at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. His doctoral thesis focused on securing 4G and 5G networks. During his research he found several implementation and specification vulnerabilities in current mobile networks. Katharina Kohls is a professor in the Digital Security Group at Radboud Universiteit in Nijmegen (NL) and was previously a postdoctoral fellow at the Ruhr University Bochum. Her research focuses on the security of distributed infrastructures such as mobile networks or anonymity systems.
 
With Cube 5, the two have a long history.They are familiar with the large network of founders at the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security and participated in the five-month incubator program inCUBE in 2022. Most recently, founder Dr. David Rupprecht spoke extensively in RUB News about 5G and its special applications.

Funding in two phases 
In two funding phases, the BMBF supports from the idea to the foundation of a company. In the first phase, the development phase, teams work out how the idea can be technically implemented. In Phase 2 it is important as a newly founded company to concretize the business model and business concept.

Clicked
BMBF Homepage for StartUpSecure  
Project information: https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/projekte/gprotect
Company website: https://radix-security.com/
 

| An der RUB, Press Report

Celebrating Bochum IT

More than 200 participants celebrated IT research in Bochum on 10 May to mark the 20th anniversary of the HGI and the founding of the Faculty of Computer Science at the RUB.

On Wednesday 10 May, IT research at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) was celebrated with high-ranking guests and engaging speeches. The event celebrated both the 20th anniversary and the establishment of a Department of Computer Science at the RUB in 2021. Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister President and Minister for Economic Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, was the guest of honour and gave a clear statement of the importance of IT in Bochum in her welcoming speech. “With the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security, you have created a flagship in Bochum around which a very special ecosystem has developed over the past 20 years. Hidden champions of data security have settled here, radiating outwards and attracting skilled workers,” said the Minister to loud applause from the more than 200 participants from research, politics and business. A real gain for Bochum’s reputation The foundations for this success were laid a good 20 years ago by the researchers Christof Paar and Hans Dobbertin, who, after founding the institute thanks to a generous donation from the entrepreneur Horst Görtz, led Bochum ITS to worldwide renown through intensive work. With the newly founded Faculty of Computer Science, the Ruhr University is now further expanding its strength in IT research. In his video statement, the Mayor of Bochum, Thomas Eiskirch, also emphasised the importance of this foundation: “The opening of this 21st faculty at the RUB is a real gain for Bochum’s image as an IT and ITS hotspot”. The Rector of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Prof. Martin Paul, also praised the work of the institute. “The HGI brings together outstanding scientists and students,” he said, highlighting in particular the diverse activities of Bochum IT in the area of women’s advancement. With various campaigns such as Women in IT Security and various support measures, young scientists in Bochum are particularly supported. Strong women in IT – this topic was also addressed in the keynote speech by journalist Svea Eckert, who shares a common history with the HGI: together with researchers from Bochum, she has already conducted investigative research on several occasions, for example on the diesel scandal or a Chinese surveillance app, which has gained international recognition. The empowerment of women in IT as a big topic The positive increase in the number of female researchers is just one of many positive developments over the last 20 years in ITS, as the panel discussion with five researchers from Bochum pointed out. Tim Güneysu (HGI spokesperson), Alena Naiakshina (junior lecturer), Christof Paar (founding director of the MaxPlanck Institute for Security and Privacy), M. Angela Sasse (spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence CASA) and Laurenz Wiskott (dean of the Department of Computer Science) engaged in a lively discussion about the past and future of IT research at the RUB. Later on, the guests gathered for the buffet and the evening programme, where they were entertained by a small exhibition about the history of the ITS in Bochum and by the special sounds of the string ensemble “Joker Quartett”. 1Live DJ Christian Vorbau kept the dance floor alive until midnight to round off the evening. By: Christina Scholten General note: In case of using gender-assigning attributes we include all those who consider themselves in this gender regardless of their own biological sex. Gallery:
The Deputy Minister-President of the State of NRW, Mona Neubaur, emphasized the relevance of Bochum’s IT research for the state in her welcoming speech.
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann
The RUB Chancellor, Dr. Christina Reinhardt, moderated the event.
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann
Rector Prof. Martin Paul introduced the event with a greeting.
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann
The panel discussion included M. Angela Sasse (spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence CASA), Christof Paar (founding director of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy), Tim Güneysu (HGI spokesperson), Alena Naiakshina (junior professor) and Laurenz Wiskott (Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science).
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann
A string quartet accompanied the event.
Copyright: HGI/ Schwettmann
During the evening programme, the participants gathered in the coffee bar of the RUB Mensa and partied into the night.
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann
20 years of HGI and 2 years of Faculty of Computer Science, illustrated by Eva Ewerhart.
Copyright: HGI, Schwettmann

| Startup News

Cube 5 seeks startups for cybersecurity incubator inCUBE Batch #2

The Cube 5 team from Bochum is sending its Next Gen Startup Incubator inCUBE into the next round. Early-stage cybersecurity startups can apply for Batch #2 until 30 September and benefit from customised coaching and networking content.

With inCUBE, Cube 5 has developed an innovative Next Gen incubator for the difficult first steps in the start-up process, which is completely tailored to the needs of early-stage start-ups in the areas of cybersecurity and IT security. The offer for ambitious founders focuses on sustainability and provides intensive five-month support for a maximum of five teams with customised further training and operational assistance. The participating teams can benefit from the connection to a strong regional to supra-regional start-up ecosystem with partners from science and business.

Batch #1, which started in May, is currently underway. Participants receive support from experienced experts on relevant topics such as business model development, company formation, sales, online and personnel marketing. In addition, they can access more than 200 software programmes for free or at significantly reduced rates and are considered for the provision of free office space in Bochum.

The inCUBE funding programme takes place twice a year, with new batches starting in the summer and winter semesters. Teams of two or more people from all over Germany can apply. There are no costs for the participants. Nor do they have to give up any shares in the young companies. The application deadline for the second batch is 30 September 2022.

More information and details about the application process

| An der RUB

Podcast “Nachgehackt” is on the air

Our lives are becoming increasingly digital – and the topic of IT security is thus becoming more and more important. The new format “Nachgehackt – der Podcast zu IT-Security”, produced at the Ruhr University Bochum, wants to sensitize, inform and give tips for digital practice. The first episode is now available.

IT security concerns everyone. But for many people, the topic still seems daunting. Often they say: it’s all too complex, too complicated, too incomprehensible. The “Nachgehackt” format wants to change that. In the podcast, topics and areas related to IT security are presented in an easily accessible and entertaining way. The host Henrik Hanses interviews experts and other exciting guests and explores the world of IT security together with the listeners. In the process, the “self-confessed IT layman” sometimes asks questions if he doesn’t understand something. Since July 26, “Nachgehackt” is now on the air, every 14 days there is a new episode. To kick things off, Henrik Hanses talks to Prof. Dr. Christof Paar of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy in Bochum about how cryptography determines our everyday lives and how important privacy is in the digital world.
 
More episodes of the first season:
  • Episode 2: “Internet of Things-Security” with Dr. Heiko Koepke and Dr. Christian Zenger (both CEO & founder of PHYSEC GmbH)
  • Episode 3: “Cyberwar” with Dr.-Ing. Christian Mainka (Horst Goertz Institute for IT Security) and Prof. Dr. Constantin Goschler (Faculty of historical Sciences, RUB)
  • Episode 4: “Hacking in Hollywood” with Dr. des. Mary Shnayien (Institute of Media Studies, RUB)
  • Episode 5: “IT Security & Startups” with Friederike Schneider (Cube 5) and Matteo Große-Kampmann (Managing Director & Founder AWARE7 GmbH)
Through the format leads the TV and radio host Henrik Hanses. . The podcast is presented by Cube 5 – Creating Security, the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security at Ruhr University Bochum, PHYSEC GmbH, Bochum Economic Development and eurobits e. V.
 
“Nachgehackt” is available at Spotify, Apple Podcast and wherever podcasts are available.
 
As a video podcast, “Nachgehackt” can be seen at Youtube.