Dr. Anika Anwar

Cybersecurity Researcher

Computer Engineer 

Software Developer

Assistant Professor

About Me

I’m Anika, currently serving as the Manager and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queen’s Centre for Security and Privacy at Queen’s University. I completed my PhD in Cybersecurity at Queen’s University as part of the NSERC Cybersecurity Create program. My research centered on securing vehicular communication for autonomous vehicle networks. When I’m not immersed in my work, I love to travel, exploring new cultures and expanding my horizons. After all, there’s more to learn about the world than what can be found on Google!

Education

PhD in Cybersecurity
Queen’s University

Master of Science in Computer Science
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Bachelor of Science in CSE
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Skills & Engagement

Technical & Security Expertise
  • Cybersecurity Research
  • Network & Application Security
  • IoT Security
  • Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering
  • Threat Modeling & Risk Management
  • Vulnerability & Risk Assessment
  • Encryption & Cryptography
  • Incident Response and Forensics
  • Cybersecurity Strategy Development
  • Machine Learning, AI Models & Blockchain
Programming & Development
  • Cybersecurity Research
  • C, C++
  • Java
  • Python
  • Assembly
  • Prolog
  • Shell Script
  • SQL
  • PHP
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Javascript
  • OpenGL
  • Scala
  • JIRA
OS & Platforms
  • Linux
  • Windows
  • Android
  • macOS
Analytical & Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership & Mentorship
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Presentation & Communication
  • Time Management
  • WORKSHOP PRESENTER, Google Explore CSR Cybersecurity for Women
  • MENTOR, Google CSRexplore Mentorship Project
  • CYBERSECURITY CONCIERGE, FIC North America, 2022
  • CONFERENCE CHAIR, IEEE DSC 2023, IEEE AVS 2024
  • PARTICIPANT, IBM Tabletop Exercise, Microsoft Appathon, EATL App Software Competition, East West Software Competition (won 1st prize)
  • PARTICIPANT, CAN-CWIC 2021, 2022
  • CONTRIBUTOR, OSM Mapping of Old Dhaka, Bangladesh

Experience

09/2023- Current
Manager and Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Queen’s Centre for Security & Privacy, Queen's University | Kingston, ON
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Operations Management
  • Threat Modeling and Risk Management
  • Secure Application Development
  • Innovative Research
  • Mentorship
09/2018-09/2023
Graduate Research Assistant, Queen's University | Kingston, ON
  • Security Assessment for Autonomous Vehicle Networks
  • Design and Implementation of Advanced Threat Prevention Systems
  • Development of Collaborative Intrusion Detection Networks (CIDN)
  • Creation of Secure Vehicular Communication Frameworks
  • Software Development and Security Automation
  • Network Security and Reverse Engineering
  • Cybersecurity Policy Research and Development
05/2020 - 09/2020
Research and Development Intern, Irdeto | Ottawa, ON
  • Cybersecurity Vulnerability Research in Vehicular Communication
  • Development of DDoS Attack Prediction Framework
  • Comprehensive Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Training in NIST Cybersecurity Standards
01/2015 - 01/2018, 01/2018 - 09/2018
Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, University of Asia Pacific | Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Course Design and Instruction
  • Instructed in Object-Oriented Programming
  • Curriculum Development and Enhancement
  • Led Collaborative Educational Projects
  • Assessed and Supported Student Performance
  • Innovative Course Material Creation
08/2014 - 01/2015
Software Specialist, Robi AXIATA Ltd. | Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Billing Operations Management
  • Automation and System Enhancement
  • Database Design and Optimization
  • Data Analysis and Process Improvement
  • Documentation and System Efficiency

Publication

  1. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Cooperative Defense-in-Depth in Large-Scale Autonomous Vehicle Networks”, IEEE International Symposium on Autonomous Vehicle Software (AVS), Cambridge, UK, July 2024 (Best Paper Award).
  2. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Secure OTA Software Updates for Connected Vehicles Using LoRaWAN and Blockchain, ” IEEE International Symposium on Autonomous Vehicle Software (AVS), Cambridge, UK, July 2024.
  3. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Dynamic Risk Assessment based on Ruin Theory for Secure Message Forwarding in Autonomous Vehicle Networks”, ACM Journal of Autonomous Transportation Systems, Accepted for publication, April 2024.
  4. Akib Anwar, Anika Anwar, Lama Moukahal, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Security assessment of in-vehicle communication protocols”, Vehicular Communications, Elsevier, Volume 44, 2023.
  5. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “A coalitional security game against data integrity attacks in autonomous vehicle networks”, Vehicular Communications, Elsevier, Volume 37, 2022.
  6. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Scalable Collaborative Intrusion Detection in Autonomous Vehicular Networks: A Hierarchical Framework based on Game Theory”, Internet of Things, Elsevier, Volume 20, 2022.
  7. Anika Anwar, Talal Halabi, Mohammad Zulkernine, “Cloud-based Sybil Attack Detection Scheme for Connected Vehicles”, 3rd Cyber Security in Networking Conference (CSNet), Quito, Ecuador, 2019
  8. Anika Anwar, Tanzima Hashem, “Optimal Obstructed Sequenced Route Queries in Spatial Databases.” In Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Extending Database Technology (EDBT), Venice, Italy, March 21-24, 2017.
  9. Mohammed Eunus Ali, Anika Anwar, Ishrat Ahmed, Tanzima Hashem, Lars Kulik and Egemen Tanin, “Protecting Mobile Users from Visual Privacy Attacks.” In Proceedings of the 2014 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing: Adjunct Publication, pp. 1-4. ACM, 2014.
  10. Anika Anwar, Md. Mustafizur Rahman, S. M. Ferdous, Samiul Alam Anik, Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed, “A Computer Game based Approach for Increasing Fluency in the Speech of the Autistic Children.”, In The IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT), Athens, Georgia, USA, July 2011, IEEE Computer Society Press. pp. 17-18.
  11. Mustafizur Rahman, S. M. Ferdous, Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed, and Anika Anwar “Speech development of autistic children by interactive computer games.” Interactive Technology and Smart Education vol 8.4: 208-223, 2011.

Projects

  1. The Efficacy of FUOTA Using LoRaWAN Integrated with IPFS and Blockchain for Connected Vehicles Using Ethereum, FUOTASim and Python
  2. Security Assessment of In-vehicle Communication Protocols Using Python, CANalyzer and OpenSSL
  3. Dynamic Risk Assessment based on Ruin Theory for Secure Message Forwarding in Autonomous Vehicle Networks Using C++ and Veins
  4. Cooperative Defense-in-Depth in Large-Scale Autonomous Vehicle Networks Using C++ and Veins
  5. A coalitional Security Game Against Data Integrity Attacks in Autonomous Vehicle Networks, Vehicular Communications Using C++ and Veins
  6. Scalable Collaborative Intrusion Detection in Autonomous Vehicular Networks: A Hierarchical Framework based on Game Theory Using VeReMi, Veins and C++
  7. Cloud-based Sybil Attack Detection Scheme for Connected Vehicles Using Java, Bouncy Castle, AWS IoT Core, Lambda, and DynamoDB
  8. Optimal Obstructed Sequenced Route Queries in Spatial Databases Using C++ and GDAL/OGR
  9. An Android app to protect users from visual privacy attacks with real-time detection and security features.
  10. A computer game-based approach using Java to improve speech fluency in autistic children, incorporating interactive elements to engage users and enhance learning outcomes.
  11. A Website for Speech development of autistic children by interactive computer games Using HTML, PHP, and MySQL
  12. A 3D model of the Prince Felipe Museum, Spain using C++ and OpenGL, focusing on accurate rendering and realistic architectural visualization.
  13. A 4-bit microprocessor with an 8-bit address bus capable of executing 28 instructions from the 80×86 family using Verilog HDL
  14. An interactive helicopter game using C++ and OpenGL, incorporating physics-based motion and collision detection, to create a realistic and engaging user experience
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