© 2021 ARUN VISHWANATH, PH.D., MBA
About Arun Vishwanath
Dr. Arun Vishwanath is a pioneering cybersecurity researcher focused on tackling the “people problem” in digital security. With a strong emphasis on enhancing individual, organizational, and national resilience against cyber threats, he delves into the vulnerabilities of Internet users.
Having studied the intricacies of social engineering attacks via email and social media, Dr. Vishwanath aims to understand why individuals become victims and how this understanding can fortify cyberspace. Additionally, he investigates the exploitation of cyberspace by criminal syndicates, terrorist networks, and hacktivists, examining their activities in committing crimes, spreading disinformation, and radicalizing others.
An esteemed alumnus of the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University, Dr. Vishwanath’s academic journey includes tenured positions at the University at Buffalo and faculty membership at Indiana University, Bloomington. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Avant Research Group (ARG), a renowned cybersecurity research and advisory firm in Buffalo, New York, he offers strategic guidance to major corporations and government agencies on cybersecurity and consumer protection. Dr. Vishwanath is also a distinguished expert for the NSA’s Science of Security & Privacy directorate.
Supported by the National Science Foundation, Dr. Vishwanath’s research on bolstering cyber resilience against social engineering attacks has resulted in nearly 50 published articles. His insights have been presented to national security and law enforcement agencies worldwide, and he is a frequent speaker at prestigious global security conferences. Dr. Vishwanath’s pioneering work highlights the role of users’ cognitions, the importance of user responsibility, and the dangers of social media and mobile-based attacks.
Beyond academia, Dr. Vishwanath’s influence extends to practical solutions. His ideas have inspired the creation of systems for reporting cyber breaches, the implementation of rating systems for apps and technologies, and the launch of open-source breach reporting portals. His predictions on the impact of AI on the American middle class have proven prescient.
Featured in esteemed publications such as Wired Magazine, USA Today, Politico, CNN, and The Washington Post, Dr. Vishwanath’s expertise has made him a sought-after expert in the media landscape. With his ability to communicate complex cybersecurity concepts effectively, he captivates audiences worldwide.
Arun Vishwanath Official Website