Cyber Security in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries

About CASA

Rapid advances in disruptive technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and quantum computing, offer new opportunities but also introduce unprecedented security risks. The Cluster of Excellence CASA “Securing the Digital Society” addresses these challenges through sustainable and future-proof cybersecurity research.

In a unique, holistic research approach, an international team of renowned researchers spanning all areas of computer security collaborates in interdisciplinary research. CASA’s research focuses on quantum-secure cryptography, defenses against AI-driven disinformation and societal polarization, and novel strategies to combat large-scale cyber threats.

CASA’s scientific excellence is reflected in more than 500 publications since 2019, including over 200 papers at top-tier A* cybersecurity conferences, as well as numerous international awards. These include the DFG Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, 14 ERC grants, 7 Test of Time awards, and the Hong Jin-Ki Award

Welcome to CASA – home of excellent cybersecurity research.

CASA Structures

To advance cybersecurity in ways that will have a transformational impact on the scientific community and practice, CASA will take a holistic and comprehensive approach that is based on a unique and innovative combination of features.

The CASA Team as well as the excellent academic and corporate network form the basis that ensures the achievement of our ambitious objectives:

Outstanding Team of PIs

The CASA PIs were carefully selected to form an internationally highly competitive team, possessing the necessary diversity of expertise. They have been honored with a variety of awards, including several ERC Grants, various prizes from the DFG, the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, and the Sofja Kovalevskaja Prize.

Corporate Network

CASA is located at the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security (HGI), which has a highly successful track record of transferring research results into industry. The institute has spawned 16 security start-ups, the quality of which is evidenced by acquisitions by companies such as Bosch, Google, and Rohde & Schwarz. This enabled CASA to access a large pool of national and international R&D partners, including IBM Research, Intel, Philips Research, and SAP Research. Over time, the network has further expanded through numerous research collaborations.

Regional and International Academic Network

Located at Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), one of the leading research universities in Germany, CASA benefits from a network of relevant research partners in its immediate vicinity. This includes the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security (HGI), the largest and oldest institute in the field of cybersecurity in Europe, as well as the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy and the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS). Additionally, the long-term collaboration with outstanding, internationally renowned scientists further strengthens CASA's exceptional research.

Lean and Professional Management

The core principles of our cluster include actively engaging our researchers, involving renowned scientists from relevant research areas, and fostering intensive collaboration with external partners. Transparent decision-making processes and efficient management of CASA activities are further cornerstones for CASA's success.

About CASA

Welcome to CASA – home of excellent cybersecurity research.

CASA Structures

Outstanding Team of PIs

Corporate Network

Regional and International Academic Network

Lean and Professional Management

Team

Management

Network

Participating Institutions