© 2021 ARUN VISHWANATH, PH.D., MBA
About Arun Vishwanath
Dr. Arun Vishwanath is a trailblazing researcher in the field of cybersecurity, focusing on what he calls the “people problem” of digital security. His groundbreaking work revolves around strengthening individual, organizational, and national resilience against cyber threats by addressing the vulnerabilities of Internet users. He is the author of The Weakest Link: How to Diagnose, Detect, and Defend Users from Phishing, published by MIT Press.
Unraveling the mysteries of social engineering attacks through email and social media, Dr. Vishwanath seeks to understand why individuals become victims and how this knowledge can be leveraged to safeguard cyberspace. His investigations also delve into the ways criminal syndicates, terrorist networks, and hacktivists exploit the digital realm for nefarious purposes, including committing crimes, spreading disinformation, recruiting operatives, and radicalizing individuals.
As a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University, Dr. Vishwanath has left an indelible mark on the academic landscape. Having served as a tenured associate professor at the University at Buffalo and as esteemed faculty at Indiana University, Bloomington, his expertise is highly sought after. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Avant Research Group (ARG), a renowned cybersecurity research and advisory firm based in Buffalo, New York. Through ARG, he provides strategic guidance to major corporations and government agencies, addressing critical issues ranging from cybersecurity to consumer protection. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he also serves as a distinguished expert for the NSA’s Science of Security & Privacy directorate.
Dr. Vishwanath’s research on bolstering cyber resilience against social engineering attacks has garnered significant support from the National Science Foundation, further validating its importance. His prolific publication record includes nearly 50 articles, shedding light on the intricate relationship between technology users and cybersecurity challenges. His findings have been presented to key stakeholders in national security and law enforcement agencies worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field. Notably, Dr. Vishwanath has been invited to present his groundbreaking research at prestigious global security conferences, including the US Senate/SSA and House, as well as making consecutive appearances at BlackHat.
Dr. Vishwanath’s research has had a transformative impact on the scientific community’s understanding of cybersecurity. His pioneering work includes:
(i) Shining a light on the role of users’ cognitions in social engineering susceptibility, highlighting how their cognitive processing of information and cyber risk beliefs make them vulnerable.
(ii) Advocating for user responsibility in fostering cyber hygiene and safer online habits as a means of protecting organizations from social attacks.
(iii) Identifying the dangers of social media long before they were widely recognized, from the use of fake profiles to the dissemination of deception.
(iv) Raising awareness about the threats posed by mobile-based social engineering attacks, even in the face of initial skepticism from the research community. The 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), featuring Dr. Vishwanath’s contributions, provided concrete evidence supporting his early warnings.
Beyond academia, Dr. Vishwanath assumes the role of a visionary technologist, championing cybersecurity issues and proposing pragmatic solutions. His forward-thinking ideas have led to the development of new products, processes, and policies, impacting the industry and society as a whole.
Dr. Vishwanath’s influence extends beyond scholarly circles. As early as December 2014, he called for the creation of a 911-type system for reporting cyber breaches, a concept that is now being actively pursued by organizations in the United States and abroad. In February 2015, he advocated for a 5-star rating system for apps and technologies, akin to safety ratings for automobiles, leading to Consumer Reports implementing this system in 2019. In November 2017, he championed the need for an open-source breach reporting portal, ultimately inspiring Mozilla Corp. to launch the Firefox monitor in 2018. His visionary predictions about the impact of AI on the American middle class, shared in January 2018, anticipated the central theme of Andrew Yang’s presidential campaign two years later.
Dr. Vishwanath’s expertise and groundbreaking research have garnered widespread recognition. His valuable insights have been featured in renowned publications such as Wired Magazine, USA Today, Politico, CNN, The Washington Post, Scientific American, and numerous other national and international news outlets. With his ability to articulate complex cybersecurity concepts in a relatable manner, he captivates readers and listeners alike, making him a sought-after expert in the media landscape.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Dr. Vishwanath, please contact us. We look forward to sharing his groundbreaking research and valuable insights with your audience.
Arun Vishwanath Official Website