The "Solving the crisis:" series explores the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity collapse, housing affordability and more. Each article highlights how Waterloo, a hub of research, innovation and creative thinking, is uniquely positioned to address these issues. Through this series, we highlight the dedicated researchers who are tackling global crises and shaping a better future for all.
Recent events, such as the data theft attacks on Snowflake customers impacting companies including Neiman Marcus, Ticketmaster and Santander Bank, have underscored the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. The 2024 Summer Olympics have also been a major cybersecurity concern, with the 2021 summer games in Tokyo facing a staggering 450 million attempted security events. Cyber threats continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, posing significant risks to people, organizations and governments alike.
According to IBM, in 2024 cybersecurity breaches can lead to substantial economic costs, with the average data breach costing companies $4.88 million USD and causing significant disruptions to productivity. It is imperative to explore innovative solutions and frameworks that can help safeguard sensitive information while maintaining the utility of data.
Dr. Xi He is a professor at the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, and a member of Waterloo's Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute. Her research focus is on privacy as it relates to cybersecurity and provides valuable insights into potential solutions to the cybersecurity crisis.