Meet Suraj Bennur
Play for Full interview Video (above) View our fun behind the scenes animation too Behind the scenes with Suraj
INTRODUCTION
ECS Cyber: Suraj, it is very nice to meet you. Thank you for allowing us to get to know you better and share your interview. Tell us about you. What is your major, your specialization and how long you have to graduate.
Suraj:
Hello, it is nice to meet you. I am Suraj Bennur, M.S. in Computer Science, specializing in Virtualization and Security. I will be graduating in May 2017. I've been with CSUF for two years (2015 - 2017).
ABOUT THE VIRTUALIZATION RESEARCH
ECS Cyber: Please tell us about your research. What project are you working in and what is your role in the Cybersecurity Center?
Suraj: I am working with Dr. Gofman on the Security and Privacy of Virtual Machines to ensure that data (including credit card details, bank account information, usernames, passwords, documents) is contained within the scope the virtual machine and does not get exposed. This Virtualization Research project is titled SPOK. SPOCK stands for Security and Privacy Optimized Checkpointer for Closed Source Operating Systems.
ECS Cyber: What do you like most about it?
Suraj: I like the fact that it involves system level programming and an in-depth knowledge of the internals of an operating system. Another interesting fact about pursuing research in virtualization is that I have control of every bit of data that is generated by the user in the virtual machine. Having that much control on such a granular level makes it exciting and enables me to have a deeper sense of appreciation towards virtualization technology.
ABOUT SPOCK
ECS Cyber: What are the challenges you have faced with your Virtualization Research project titled SPOCK? Which one is the biggest?
Suraj: Challenges I faced are numerous given the scope of the research project and in the given time frame.
On one hand, we have the hypervisor (QEMU) which is a fairly recent open source endeavor, most of the code is not documented. The other problem is with respect to the closed source nature of the guest operating system (Windows) which is not open for the user to examine, modify and use.
The biggest challenge was to map the physical address of the machine to the host virtual address space and extract the guest's dirty targeted ram pages.
SKILLS GAINED WORKING IN THE VIRTUALIZATION RESEARCH PROJECT
ECS Cyber: What are you working on right now?
Suraj: Working on my Master's research project titled SPOCK and other data security related side projects.
ECS Cyber:
What skills have you gained or improved?
Suraj:
- Good understanding of Virtual Machines and the importance of security in virtual machines.
- A better understanding of the internals of the Linux Operating System and system programming.
- Good understanding of the Windows internals and Win API programming.
ECS Cyber:
What programs and tools are you using in your research?
Suraj:
KVM, QEMU, GDB, WinDbg, Win API.
ECS Cyber:
When will the project be finished?
Suraj:
It is still under development. Certain tests have been carried out for which we have obtained positive results. It looks very promising at this point in time. Looking to make a prototype soon.
THE IMPACT OF THE VIRTUALIZATION RESEARCH PROJECT IN OUR SOCIETY
ECS Cyber: What is the impact of your study in our society? How is it important?
Suraj: Imagine having several millions of cloud systems open to attacks and threats, the world would be very insecure and open to fraud. It can pose several threats and can have the below effects.
- Privacy of users would be compromised.
- Security goes out the Window(s) (No pun intended!)
- Important data and information can be accessed and manipulated.
- Knowledge is power. (gaining access to data and information can be useful for adversaries)
- The global economy can be brought down.
It is very important to keep data secure, intact and away from any other entities with malicious intent.
SURAJ'S FAVORITES
ECS Cyber: Something you live by, an anecdote, or your favorite quote.
Suraj:
I like these two from Linus Trovalds and Stewart Brand
"Talk is cheap, show me the code." - Linus Torvalds
"Stay hungry, stay foolish." - Stewart Brand
ECS Cyber: Android or Apple? Windows, Mac or Linux?
Suraj:
Android, Linux
SURAJ'S HOBBIES
ECS Cyber: What are your hobbies?
Suraj: I usually spend time reading books and solving puzzles. I can solve a 3x3 Rubik's cube in under 2 mins. I also believe in being analytical and mathematical in my approach to any situation. The works of early mathematicians Pythagoras, Euclid, Aryabhatta, and Eratosthenes fascinates me. Imagine our world without the number zero. How square! (No pun intended.) These mathematicians looked for ways to understand the world as it relates to numbers, and their contributions are fundamental to modern-day computer science. I also love solving online coding challenges such as Hackerrank and /r/dailyprogrammer. I am also the winner of the Uber code on the road challenge. During my vacations, I usually spend time with my two nieces and nephew. I also travel to snowy mountains and sled board. Otherwise, I just hang out with my good friend and his poodle at the beach.
SURAJ'S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
ECS Cyber: What are your plans when you graduate?
Suraj: Looking to get into Research and Development in a technology innovative company and eventually pursue a Ph.D.
ECS Cyber:
What recommendations would you give to new students?
Suraj:
Be passionate and persistent. Think different.
ECS Cyber: It was a pleasure to meet you in person and get to know you a little more. Thank you Jacob for giving us the opportunity to interview you!
Jacob: Thank you for taking the time and interest to talk to me I enjoyed this interview and hope we can continue to connect!
