Dr. Ruizhong Wei
Dr. Ruizhong Wei keeps our computers safe.
Specializing in cryptography and network and computer security, Dr. Wei applies his extensive knowledge of computer science to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of computer systems, resources, and data.
One way he does this is by using combinatorial methods to resolve security problems, including quasigroups, mutually orthogonal Latin squares, BIBDs, GDDs, orthogonal and perpendicular arrays, and perfect hash families. Dr. Wei also works with double self-dual codes, broadcast encryption, traceability schemes, frameproof codes, and secret sharing schemes. In one of his ongoing projects, he and a colleague have proposed a new encryption algorithm known as KIST, which is highly efficient in its use of space and time.
Dr. Wei emphasizes the need for security technology, particularly in the IT industry, as the peak of the Technological Age sees a steeply rising number and variety of virtual threats. In order to successfully defend computers against viruses, worms, malicious codes, and other attacks, Dr. Wei and his fellow security experts must always remain two steps ahead of the opposition.
Additionally, computer security is pertinent to the confidentiality and everyday functions of personal computer users and also businesses, as the integrity of company secrets and operations hangs in the balance. It is even a matter of national security; now at the foundation of defense operations and economic functions, computers that lack sufficient security may pose a severe threat to financial institutions or disrupt important communication processes.
An area that will only continue to demand highly skilled experts, Dr. Wei has supervised several students in his field. Completed projects have addressed such topics as security protocols, security algorithms, context-sensitive neural network application, role-based access control, database anonymization, wireless sensor network security, and local-based applications.
What with most of his former students now applying their skill set in the IT industry, Dr. Wei explains that students are well-prepared throughout their graduate education to enter the workforce, particularly through the co-op option. Dr. Wei adds, "This is especially important for an international student who has no experience working in Canada."