ECE professor Deepa Kundur’s research focuses on the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, which includes vital systems such as energy grids, autonomous vehicles, water systems and health-care networks. Many of these cyber-physical systems are increasingly relying on advanced information and communication technologies to enhance their efficiency.   

“Critical infrastructure is undergoing a vital transformation through increased automation and monitoring, but this also means that the attack surface for cyber attackers is increasing, making these systems more vulnerable,” says Kundur.   

“These systems are big targets, and potential cyber-attacks could have an enormous impact on society.”  

Kundur, who is also chair of The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at U of T, has been named the new Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure. This designation recognizes her leading-edge work in safeguarding essential systems from cyber threats.   

She is among 11 U of T Engineering researchers awarded CRCs. The program, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is designed to recognize and support research excellence across the country.    

While cybersecurity has traditionally been reactive, with measures implemented after an attack has occurred, Kundur’s research focuses on predicting future attacks and developing strategies to mitigate them before they can cause harm.  

Her team is also utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate cyber-attacks, allowing them to study and understand potential threats better.   

“We’re creating AI agents that will look inside an environment and try to predict what an attacker can do in the future. As hackers are increasingly using AI, we are also leveraging this technology in our cybersecurity defenses,” Kundur says.   

“This CRC will help advance our work to enhance the security of critical infrastructure, and will also address broader societal issues, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are accessible and safe for all.” 

In addition to Kundur, 10 other U of T Engineering researchers have earned new or renewed Canada Research Chairs:  

• Arthur Chan (ChemE) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Atmospheric Chemistry and Health (renewal)  
• Warren Chan (BME) — Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Nanobioengineering (renewal) 
• Natalie Enright Jerger (ECE) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computer Architecture (renewal)
• Michael Garton (BME) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Synthetic Biology (renewal)
• Jonathan Kelly (UTIAS) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Collaborative Robotics (renewal) 
• Azadeh Kushki (BME) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Neurodiversity and Personalized Health (new)
• Enid Montague (MIE) – Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Human-centred Automation (new) 
• Yu Sun (MIE) — Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nano Engineering Systems (renewal) 
• Ding Yuan (ECE) — Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Canada Research Chair in Systems Software (renewal) 
• Yu Zou (MSE) – Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Materials and Manufacturing in Extreme Environments (new)