Researcher in Cyberdefense (M/F/X): Project “ACRES”

In the framework of the study DAP23-02 “Autonomous Cyber Red Teaming System” (ACRES), we are looking for a full-time researcher in cyberdefense with a Bachelor, or a Master degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or equivalent.

We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

##PROJECT

For this project, we plan to develop in-house a fully autonomous cyber red teaming system, able to deploy an attack by sensing its way into a target network. The main objective is to mimic an attack a real person would deploy without any prior knowledge of the network topology and configuration.

To this end, the system will mainly rely on 3 essential building blocks :

• A data model representing the network information acquired to maintain a world view, and the attacking capabilities of a set of existing external tools;
• A self-learning artificial intelligent (AI) agent capable to take decision based on the acquired network view and the capabilities of the external tools;
• A communication layer between the intelligent decision-making module and the actual attacking tools, to send instructions and collect outcomes.

##MAIN TASKS

• Study and analyse existing languages for defining topologies, configurations, and attacks in order to propose and implement a scenario description language suitable for cyber range based trainings;
• Analyse the state of the art on AI-based planning, compare available algorithms and implementations, in order to design and implement an appropriate planner for attacks in the context of cyber range based trainings;
• Generate a powerful self-learning intelligent agent with the ability to preform cyber attacks autonomously
• Test the agent’s abilities and validate them in different cyber-range scenarios.

##SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The applicant shall have a Bachelor or a Master degree in Cybersecurity / in computer science, or equivalent.

“MUST HAVE” skills:

• Knowledge/Experience in programming, knowledge of coding language(s) (python, ..).
• Communication abilities, in oral and written form.
• English proficiency, sufficient for writing reports and publications, as well as participating in conferences.

“NICE TO HAVE” skills:

• Training or experience in Cybersecurity.
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is recommended (collaboration with peers).

Personal skills :

• You develop software autonomously.
• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You improve the team-spirit and solve interpersonal conflicts.
• You are honest, loyal toward the institution and respect confidentiality.

##SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

##APPLICATION

Please send by email:

• a CV
• a scan of your ID card (both sides) or international passport;

to Mrs Arbia RIAHI (a.riahi@cylab.be) and to Mr Pierre MOINET (erm-deao-rswo@mil.be).

Please mention clearly the reference of the project: “DAP23-02_ACRES”.

Application deadline: 21st of November 2024.

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

##MORE DETAILS AND CONTRACT https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4064453695/?refId=zoq4AiZdQziu6s3oDw%2F0tA%3D%3D&trackingId=zoq4AiZdQziu6s3oDw%2F0tA%3D%3D

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