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CASA

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@CASA – Securing the Digital Society
Kegel
Clusters of Excellence

Securing the Digital Society

In recent years, cyberspace has embraced an ever-larger share of our lives, and the notion of the digital society has become a reality. At the same time, we observe massive qualitative and quantitative shifts in the cybersecurity landscape. The attack surface has expanded dramatically, with adversaries targeting a broad range of entities, including hospitals, government services, higher education institutions, and critical infrastructure. This is further aggravated by the evolution of nation-state attackers pursuing geopolitical goals such as election interference. Finally, the emergence of disruptive technologies like generative AI, quantum computing, and the growing popularity of blockchains and cryptocurrencies further amplifies the digital risks. This dramatic change in the cybersecurity landscape poses a fundamental threat to our society, jeopardizing democratic processes, critical infrastructures, and citizens’ privacy and well-being alike.

CASA will significantly strengthen the resilience of the digital society by developing next-generation security solutions that holistically protect large-scale (socio-)technical systems. At the core of CASA is a highly innovative research program that comprehensively tackles the security of all layers of digital systems, focusing on carefully selected high-impact research topics. Examples include quantum technology and its interplay with security, methods to prevent AI-based voter polarization and misinformation, and cross-layer solutions to thwart ransomware attacks. CASA’s internationally unique approach combines technical aspects with human and societal dimensions of cybersecurity. The group of PIs is arguably the only one in Europe with the required interdisciplinary track record to conduct holistic cybersecurity research. The CASA PIs also have a long history of successful collaborations and world-class research achievements, including ten ERC grants and a DFG Leibniz Prize.

Through the CASA Transfer Lab, we will systematically translate our research findings into real-world solutions, collaborating closely with our extensive network of transfer partners, including major technology companies, NGOs, and startups. CASA will support Early Career Researchers at all levels with specifically tailored measures. Moreover, CASA’s equity and diversity initiatives are designed to foster an inclusive research community where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. CASA will be embedded into Bochum’s vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem, led by Ruhr-University Bochum, with the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy as a key partner. Bochum is home to Europe’s largest cybersecurity study program and Germany’s leading security startup landscape—a strong enabler for transferring research into practice.

CASA will conduct transformative research with major real-world impact and leave a lasting legacy on the scientific community, serving as a blueprint for next-generation cybersecurity research.

Involved Institutions:

  • Max Planck Institute for Cyber Security and Privacy (MPI-SP)
  • Technische Universität Berlin
  • University of Bonn
  • University of Duisburg-Essen

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North Rhine-WestfaliaEngineering SciencesFunding Period 2019-2025Funding Period 2026-2032
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