Author: Abhinav Komanduri | Major: Electrical Engineering | Semester: Spring 2025
My research explores the vulnerabilities of SRAM-based Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) used in low-cost IoT devices, with an emphasis on enhancing their resilience against fault injections. The impact of this work is towards improving the security and reliability of medical technology sys- tems and everyday connected devices. This report details my experience at the 23rd International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications (PerCom 2025) held in Washington, D.C., and outlines the progress made in my research, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Me presenting at the WiP session during the Teaser Madness portion.
I traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend PerCom 2025, an internationally recognized A* conference in the field of pervasive computing. The conference was chosen due to its reputation for hosting leading experts and fostering innovation in embedded systems and low-power applications. Attending this event allowed me to present my work on strengthening SRAM PUFs against fault injection, thus sharing my findings with a broader community while gathering valuable insights to further refine my research.
The trip provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the practical implications of my project, Power PUFs: Strengthening SRAM PUFs Against Fault Injection on Low-Cost IoT Devices. Presenting my work at the Work-in-Progress poster session enabled me to receive direct, constructive feedback from fellow researchers, principal investigators (PIs), and industry experts. Their suggestions highlighted the potential to explore additional fault injection techniques and countermeasures, encouraging me to consider innovative approaches to improve the robustness of the security measures in IoT devices. Engaging with other experts also deepened my understanding of the current trends in embedded system security and helped me identify new research avenues. During the conference, I participated in various sessions such as AutoML and TELMED, which provided a comprehensive view of the latest advancements in low-power embedded applications and human-computer interaction technology. These sessions not only broadened my perspective but also offered a platform to discuss my research with peers from diverse backgrounds. I had the opportunity to network with graduate students, researchers, and PIs from renowned institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, which was invaluable in establishing potential future collaborations. Many experts expressed interest in the practical applications of my work, and their insightful queries and feedback motivated me to delve deeper into enhancing the security features of IoT devices.
The networking events and discussions were particularly rewarding. Conversations with senior researchers provided clarity on the challenges of transitioning theoretical research into real-world applications. This interaction also opened doors to prospective graduate labs that align with my research interests, which is crucial as I plan to pursue a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The feedback I received has already begun shaping the next phase of my research, particularly in exploring advanced fault injection methods and designing more resilient PUF architectures.
The experience at PerCom 2025 significantly contributed to my professional development. Present- ing at such a prestigious conference bolstered my communication skills, particularly in articulating complex technical details to an audience that ranged from seasoned experts to budding researchers. I gained confidence in discussing my work, fielding challenging questions, and engaging in high-level technical discussions. This experience has improved my presentation skills and has equipped me with the necessary tools to better advocate for my research in future academic and professional settings.
I would advise students and undergradaute researchers to make the most of such events by preparing thoroughly in advance. Familiarize yourself with the key speakers, sessions, and poster presentations that align with your interests. Engage actively during sessions, and do not hesitate to ask questions—this is a great way to gain new perspectives and build meaningful connections. Additionally, consider attending informal networking events and social gatherings, as these are often where the most candid and valuable exchanges occur. I was able to attend a banquet and interact with researchers in a more casual setting. Remember that the feedback you receive, even if critical, is an essential component of your growth and development in research.
Looking ahead, I plan to incorporate the feedback and insights gained from PerCom 2025 into the next phase of my research. My immediate goal is to explore additional fault injection methods and develop robust countermeasures that further enhance the security of IoT devices. In parallel, I am preparing applications for PhD programs that will allow me to continue working in the field of secure embedded systems. I also intend to collaborate with some of the experts I met at the conference, leveraging their experience to refine my methodologies and broaden the scope of my investigations