Dr. Abe Baggili Uncovers Cyber Vulnerabilities
Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Louisiana State University and the founder of the BiT Lab (Baggili Truth Lab), Dr. Ibrahim “Abe” Baggili uncovers cyber vulnerabilities through cyber investigations and forensics of systems, AI, and Virtual and Augmented Reality. Alongside his students, his work has impacted more than a billion people worldwide, protecting them from ever-evolving cyber threats.
The acronyms AI, VR, and AR seem to be dominating headlines with both positive stories and negative ones. Either AI and the like will transform the world and bring about endless possibilities or take all of our jobs and the world will be controlled by robots. So what are we to believe? Well, Dr. Baggili has a few ideas, some of which he’ll share in his TEDxBatonRouge talk in September and some of which he shared with us for this blog post. Read the highlights of our conversation below.
What's the short version of your story? How did you find yourself in BatonRouge and/or studying cybersecurity?
Kids often get asked the question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Growing up in the Middle East, I used to watch cops and thought they had a cool job. However, I also had a passion for computers that was too strong and quickly outweighed my desire to become a cop.
Later as an international student at Purdue, I had the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity and cyber forensics from leading experts and some of my hacker friends in college, and I was instantly hooked! About a year ago, I moved to Baton Rouge from the East Coast. When LSU approached me with their cybersecurity mission and vision of excellence under President Tate's leadership, I couldn't resist taking part in this journey towards cybersecurity excellence.
As an LSU professor in cybersecurity, I'm sure you've seen some pretty terrible ways bad actors take advantage of others in digital spaces. On the other end of that spectrum, can you tell us about a time where you've seen someone use the types of technology you study for good?
I've been deeply involved in the study of virtual reality for some time now. One of its remarkable applications is transporting people to places they wish to visit, even if they can't be there physically. Consider the case of someone with a dying wish to see their hometown again – the ability to fulfill that wish virtually is truly wonderful. Moreover, VR and AR have found practical uses in training medical professionals, firefighters, and various other fields. The technology's cost-effectiveness compared to physical construction makes it a game-changer for building new classrooms, social spaces, gyms, and more!
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
This is threefold. First, I find immense joy in inspiring the next generation of professionals and researchers. Witnessing my students flourish and accomplish great things brings me tremendous satisfaction. Second, I thrive on tackling diverse problems. As someone who gets bored with repetitive tasks, my work allows me to explore my creativity and pursue fresh ideas continuously. Third, the impact we create is truly remarkable. Through collaboration with my students, we have uncovered vulnerabilities that have affected over a billion people. This tangible impact is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
TEDxBatonRouge is right around the corner, what are you looking forward to most about the experience? Is there another speaker you can't wait to hear?
I'm eagerly anticipating TEDxBatonRouge. Baton Rouge is a vibrant city with a rich diversity of ideas, thanks to the wealth of knowledge from LSU and the many other residents who contribute to its melting pot of creativity. It's thrilling to have an opportunity to showcase these ideas at such an event and demonstrate what Baton Rouge has to offer. I'm especially excited about the other speakers! Each of them will bring a unique perspective to the audience, making it an inspiring and thought-provoking experience.
The 2023 theme is "think again." What does that mean to you?
The theme embodies who I am. Hacking is a term that originally meant to change the original function of something, like using your coffee maker to cook Ramen, for instance. 'Think Again' to me means approaching problems from a different and unique perspective, flipping them on their head to create innovative ideas or find new solutions.
To learn more about Abe or about TEDxBatonRouge, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Secure your ticket today to experience his talk, as well as the talks of all other TEDxBatonRouge 2023 speakers.
