The Electrical and Computer Engineering department offers a variety of courses leading to masters and doctoral degrees. The comprehensive interests and expertise of our faculty lead to a synergistic connection between these two degrees.
Meet Md Sadik Awal, a dedicated doctoral candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at FIU. Under the guidance of Dr. Md Tauhidur Rahman, Sadik, originally from Bangladesh, brings a strong academic background from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2021.
Professor Rahman notes, ‘Sadik Awal is both creative and professional in his approach. He has developed a novel method for detecting device leakage known as impedance leakage, which has significant potential to enhance security and privacy.’
Where and what did you earn your Master’s?
I earned my Master’s degree in Computer Engineering with a 4.00 CGPA from Florida International University.
What drew you to your field?
My interest in hardware security evolved from a deep fascination with the intricate relationship between hardware and software. During my undergraduate studies, I was introduced to microcontrollers and FPGAs, which sparked a keen interest in embedded systems. As I developed my programming skills, I realized that writing code for these systems was akin to crafting a precise set of instructions, each line carefully tailored to interact seamlessly with the hardware.
As technology became increasingly integrated into everyday life, I was naturally drawn to hardware security. My proficiency in programming, combined with my hardware knowledge, positioned me well to tackle the complex challenges in this field. Currently, my research primarily focuses on security and privacy issues from the hardware perspective. I am working on identifying threats that originate from hardware implementations in our increasingly connected world and developing effective solutions to address them.
Why did you choose FIU to pursue your degree?
I chose FIU because of its strong focus on research. The resources, and the collaborative environment at FIU have provided me with the platform to pursue my research interests in hardware security and embedded systems.
How would you explain your current research to someone outside of your field?
Imagine someone is trying to guess what another person is cooking based on the smells coming from their kitchen, without actually seeing inside. These smells are like “side channels” in technology – unintended ways that information can leak out of a system. In computing, side channels are unintended ways that devices can reveal secret information, even when they are designed to keep that information private.
My research is like being a security guard for the tiny computers inside everyday devices like smartphones and medical equipment. These small computers, called embedded systems, are everywhere and handle a lot of important, sometimes secret, information. Just like how someone might guess what is cooking from kitchen smells, attackers can sometimes guess secret information from things like how much power a device uses or the electromagnetic radiation it gives off. These are called side channel attacks. I work to find these “information leaks” and then develop methods to prevent them. By doing this, I am working to make the devices we rely on every day more secure.
Is there a common misconception about a topic in your field that you wish you could correct?
A common misconception is that hardware is inherently secure and only software needs to be protected. In reality, hardware can have vulnerabilities that are just as exploitable as software flaws. It is essential to adopt a holistic approach to security that includes both hardware and software protections.
AI is playing a large role across all industry fields. Have you used AI to assist in your research/work?
Yes, I have extensively used machine learning algorithms in my research. I have applied multiple machine learning techniques to analyze side-channel data, which helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing robust countermeasures.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
One of my greatest achievements is using runtime device impedance as a side channel. I used this to disassemble software instructions with over 90% accuracy. This work was recognized and presented at multiple prestigious conferences.
What music have you been listening to lately?
Lately, I have been enjoying a mix of classical music and contemporary instrumental pieces.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Outside of my research, I enjoy watching movies, hiking, and experimenting with DIY electronics projects.