NIKOS KOMNINOS, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, AIT

CONTACT DETAILS

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Dr. Komninos is currently an Assistant Professor in Applied Cryptography and Network Security, member of the Algorithms and Security Group at AIT and Instructor of the Applied Cryptography, ICT Security and Computer & Network Security master degree courses. Komninos has over ten years of R&D experience in the academia and industry working on the evaluation, analysis and development of practical secure communication systems. His current research areas of interest include design / analysis of authentication, key agreement, intrusion detection and response protocols/mechanisms in ad hoc and cellular networks, design / evaluation of efficient encryption algorithms, attack analysis of cryptographic protocols, transport / network layer security, smart cards and biometrics security.

Dr. Komninos has written over 30 journals and conference publications, patents, books and technical reports in the information security research area. He has been invited as international advisor and technical program committee, guest editor in international conferences and journals and speaker with honors in the field. Dr Komninos is also senior member in various international societies (IEEE, ACM).
 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• (Apr.'08 - ) Athens Information Technology (Assistant Professor in Applied Cryptography and Network Security): Member of the Algorithm and Security Group.

• (Jun.'05 - Apr.'08) Athens Information Technology Athens, Greece (Research Scientist): Member of the Algorithm and Security Group.

• (Feb.'05 - Jun'05.) University of Indianapolis - Athens Campus, Greece (Part Time Lecturer) Teaching duties: Calculus & Analytic Geometry, Statistics.

• (Jan.'03 - ) University of Lancaster, UK (Honorary Professor), Responsible for: Information security research projects in European Commission and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: Some of these are SCAN, DAIDALOS, AWCOM, SIC.

• (Jun.'04 - Aug.'05) University of the Aegean / Pireaus, Greece (Research
  Fellow) Responsible for: Design and development of cryptographic mechanisms to secure ad hoc networks. Focus on the key attributes related to the security of ad hoc networks. Seek to identify the security issues and attacks in such networks and also examine secure protocols found in the data link and network layers.

• (May.'03 - May '04) Hellenic Army Forces (Distinguished Sergeant) Responsible for: 3rd army office in Cyprus.

• (Jan.'00 - Jan '03) University of Lancaster, UK (Research Assistant)
  1) Teaching Duties: Computer Networks, C/C++ Programming Language, Computer Organization, Mobile Communications, Applied Cryptography, Telecommunications Security, Network Security, e-Commerce.
  2) Supervising Duties: Watermarking Algorithms for different media types, Measuring tools for stream ciphers, Smart Card Simulation Environment, Multiple Encryption Support in a Client/Server Mode, Modeling the Bluetooth Physical Layer in Cossap, Development of Secure Communication Protocol, GSM SIM Card Simulation using a Smart Card, GSM A5/1 Simulation, Combinational Security of the AES Algorithms, Mobile Multimedia for 3G (WAP Simulation), Security for Optical Disks, Complex Computations using Crypto-processors in FPGA, RSA implementation in FPGA, Encryption Algorithms in Smart Cards

• (Jan.'00 - Jan '03) HW Communications Ltd., UK (Senior R&D CommunicationsEngineer) Responsible for: Evaluation, analysis and development of encryption algorithms, hash functions, digital signatures, security and cryptographic protocols and general designing secure communication systems.Practical security applications were also designed and built in both software (i.e. Windows) and hardware (i.e. FPGAs, CPLD and Smart cards) devices. Other roles include supervision, demonstrations, representation, consultancy and teaching duties for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Ford Visteon and Three in UK.

• (Jan.'95 - Jan '98) American University of Athens, Greece (Computer and Electronics Specialist) Responsible for: Set-up and maintain computer and electronics laboratories. In the computer laboratory, personal IBM and MAC computers were assembled / reassembled and interconnected. In the electronics laboratory test boards were designed and implemented. Other responsibilities include teaching packages preparation for students; teaching students on how to get familiar with software packages, such as Unix, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, C/C++ and Visual Basic; helping students to use oscilloscopes, frequency generators and spectrum analysers and building analog and digital circuits.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Communications Systems, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK, 2003.
  Thesis Title: "Universal Security Architecture for Future Communication Systems" (Advisor: Prof. Bahram Honary, Examiners: Prof. Rolando A. Carrasco and Prof. Paddy G. Farrell)
  Description: The techniques described in the PhD thesis use hybrid cryptosystems and protocols that can be implemented to produce universal security architecture for different network environments. This architecture consists of an adaptive authentication and key agreement mechanism; an encryption algorithm; a hybrid transport security layer protocol; and an end-to-end secure application software.
  Further Qualifications: Thesis implementations were carried out in IBM personal computers (PC), Smart Cards, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD) hardware devices using C/C++, JAVA and VHDL programming languages.
   

• M.Sc. in Computer Communications & Networks, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK, 1999.
  Dissertation Title: "Beckett Park Campus Network Simulation"
  Description: The university’s network infrastructure was simulated using the CNET network simulator. This network consists of ATM and Ethernet technologies at the backbone and core network, respectively. Data analysis to discern high utilisation trends are carried out in the OSI data link, network, and transport layers. Utilisation thresholds are set to determine how the network infrastructure could be altered to maximise performance.

Further Qualifications: Specialized in Communications Engineering after understanding and developing:
Modulated transmission technologies (BPSK, QPSK, OFDM, Spread Spectrum – DS and FH);
Telecommunication encoding, transmission and multiplexing techniques (PCM, PAM, SONET);
Software communication models at the OSI transport and application layers;
Network models (IP, ATM, Ethernet);
Tools to manage and control the behavior of a computer communications network (SNMP).
 

• B.Sc. in Computer Science & Engineering (Cum Laude), American University of Athens, Greece, 1998.
  Final Year Project: "Designing and Building an Internet Service Provider"
  Description: This project mainly involved the installation and setting-up of both file and web servers in a local area network. The file server was controlled by the NOVELL and the file server handled by the WIN NT network operating systems. Access to the Internet was established via a leased line and a modem to an IBM provider.

Further Qualifications: Other group and individual projects concerned:
Design and build of large software databases using data structures;
Design and build of hardware devices (power supplies), operating systems (UNIX);
Programming ‘68000’ microprocessor.

HONORS

• 2008: Cited in Marquis Who's Who in America, 63rd Edition

• 2007-8: Cited in Marquis Who's Who in the World, 24th, 25th, 26th Edition

• 2007: Cited in 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century, Cambridge, UK

• (2008): Honorary Professor, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, UK

• (2003-2007): Honorary Research Fellow, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, UK

• 2003: Highest distinction for Ph.D. thesis from the oral examination committee (Prof. P. G. Farrell, Prof. R. A. Carrasco)

• 2000: Award for Ph.D. studies by HW Communications Ltd., UK

TALKS

• “Encryption in Telecommunication Networks”, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University (UK), 2001

• “Transport Layer Security in Hybrid Networks”, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University (UK), 2002

• “Alpha Stream Cipher”, Athens Information Technology (invited talk), December 2004

• “Public Key Cryptography in Future Mobile Systems”, Athens Information Technology (Research Seminars), September 2005.

• “Building Secure .NET Applications”, Athens Information Technology (Research Seminars), December 2006.

• “2G/3G: Security Threats and Vulnerabilities”, Athens Information Technology (Research Seminars), April 2007 2005.

TEACHING

• “Applied Cryptography” in M.Sc. Information Technology (MSIN), Athens Information Technology.

• “Computer & Network Security” in M.Sc. Information & Telecommunication Technologies (MSITT), Athens Information Technology.

• “ICT Security” in M.Sc. Management of Business, Innovation & Technology (MBIT), Athens Information Technology.

• “Computer & Network Security”, Short Course (1 week) in Athens Information Technology Premises, December 2005

• “Applied Cryptography”, Short Course (1 week) in Information Security, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University (UK) Premises, 2001

• “Secure Application Software”, Short Course in Information Security, Dept. of Communication Systems, Lancaster University (UK) Premises, 2002

SUPERVISING (Theses-Independent Studies)

Applied Cryptography

• “Hash Functions Design”, Independent Study by A. Michalas, 2007

• “End-to-End Secure Application Software for Video Conferencing”, M.Sc. Thesis by S. Ladopoulos, 2007
  

• “Encryption with Image Watermarking Algorithms”, M.Sc. Thesis by I. Ouzounstefanis, 2002
  

• “Combinational Security of the AES Algorithms”, M.Sc. Thesis by J. Puente, 2002
  

• “Measuring Tools for Stream Ciphers”, M.Sc. Thesis by J. Rivera, 2002
  

• “Multiple Encryption Support in a Client/Server Mode, M.Sc. Thesis by M. Chouldhury, 2002

• “RSA implementation in FPGA”, M.Sc. Thesis by X. Zhang, 2002

Network Security & Biometrics

• “Intrusion Detection with Biometrics in Ad Hoc Networks”, M.Sc. Thesis by K. Tsiachti, 2007
  

• “Network Verification Mechanism for Biometrics”, Independent Study by K. Roukounaki, 2006
  

• “Distributed Intrusion Detection in Hybrid Ad Hoc Networks”, M.Sc. Thesis by T. Miskas, 2007
  

• “Modeling the Bluetooth Physical Layer in COSSAP Simulator”, M.Sc. Thesis by P. Clarke, 2001
  

• “Simulation of Bluetooth Link Manager and Logical L

Smart Cards

• “Key Escrow Systems in Smart Cards”, M.Sc. Thesis by A. Barou, 2006
  

• “Design of an Advanced Smart Identity Card”, M.Sc. Thesis by D. Milonakis, 2006
  

• “Smart Card Simulation Environment”, M.Sc. Thesis by K. Kalogirou, 2001
  

• “GSM A5/1 Simulation in Smart Cards”, M.Sc. Thesis by I. Sinakos, 2001
  

• “Mobile Multimedia for 3G (WAP Simulation)”, M.Sc. Thesis by K. Kotsokalis, 2001
  

• “Encryption Algorithms in Smart Cards”, M.Sc. Thesis by W. Feng, 2001
  

• “GSM SIM Card Simulation using a Smart Card”, M.Sc. Thesis by G. Kliviokiotis, 2000

PATENTS

• N. Komninos and B. Honary, "Cipher Apparatus", UK Patent, Patent Number: GB2380916, 2003.

BOOKS

1. N. Komninos and G. Mantas, "Intelligent Authentication and Key Agreement Mechanism for WLAN in e-Hospital Applications", Book Chapter in WirelessNetworks: Research Technology and Applications, Nova Science Publishers Inc., 2008.

2. N. Komninos and V. Kapetanopoulos, "Dynamic Group Key Management in Ad Hoc Networks", Book Chapter in Ad Hoc Networks: New Research, Nova Science Publishers Inc., 2008.

3. N. Komninos, "Morpheus: A word oriented Stream Cipher", Book Chapter in Cryptography Recent Perspectives, Roland E. Chen (editor), Nova Science Publishers Inc., ISBN: 978-1-60456-492-1, 2008.

4. N. Komninos, "A Transport Layer Security Protocol for Hybrid Networks", Book Chapter in Wireless Communications Research Trends, Tong S. Lee (editor), Page(s): 267-285, Nova Science Publishers Inc., ISBN: 1-60021-674-9, 2007.

5. N. Komninos, "PKI Systems", Book Chapter in Network Security: Current Status and Future Directions, C. Douligeris and D. N. Serpanos (editors), Wiley-IEEE Press, ISBN: 0471703559, 2007.

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS / REFEREED ARTICLES

1. N. Komninos and C. Douligeris, "LIDF: Layered Intrusion Detection Framework in Ad Hoc Networks", Journal in Ad Hoc Networks, Elsevier, 2008, (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adhoc.2008.01.001)

2. N. Komninos and T. Dimitriou, "Security Issues in Social Web Sites", NetWeek Magazine (Invited Article), Boussias Communications, Issue 180, October 2007, Page(s): 46-47.

3. N. Komninos and T. Dimitriou, "Protecting Biometric Templates with Image Watermarking Techniques", Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS4642), Springer, ICB'07, 2007, Page(s): 114-123(http://www.springerlink.com/content/24774g1316t74732/).

4. I. Kolokouris, N. Zarokostas, and N. Komninos, "Integrity and Authenticity Mechanisms in Sensor Networks", International Journal on Computer Research, Nova Science Publishing Inc., Volume 15, Issue 1, 2007.

5. A. Mitrokotsa, N. Komninos, C. Douligeris, "Intrusion Detection & Response in Ad Hoc Networks", Advances in Ad Hoc Network Security, International Journal on Computer Research, Nova Science Publishing Inc., Volume 15, Issue 1, 2007.

6. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, "A two-step Authentication Framework for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks", Special Issue on Communications and Information Security, P. Stavroulakis (editor), China Communications Journal, Volume 4. Number 1, Page(s): 28-39, 2007.

7. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, "Authentication in a Layered Security Approach for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks", Journal in Computers & Security, Elsevier, Volume 26, Issue 5, August 2007, Page(s): 373-380 (DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2006.12.011)

8. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, "Multifold Authentication in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks", International Journal of Communication Systems, Wiley Inter-science, March 2(DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dac.882)

9. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, "Detecting Unauthorized and Compromised Nodes in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks", Journal in Ad Hoc Networks, Elsevier, Volume 5, Issue 3, April 2007, Pages: 289-298
   (DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adhoc.2005.11.005)

10. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, "Layered Security Design for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks", Journal in Computers & Security, Elsevier, Volume 25, Issue 2, March 2006, Pages:121-130
    (DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2005.09.005)

11. N. Komninos, B. Honary, and M. Darnell, "An Efficient Stream Cipher
    Alpha1 for Mobile and Wireless Devices", Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS2260), B. Honary (editor), Springer, ISBN 3540430261, pp. 294-300, 2002.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS PUBLICATIONS

1. N. Komninos and G.Mantas, “Efficient Group Key Agreement & Recovery in Ad Hoc Networks”, 2nd IET International Conference on Wireless, Mobile & Multimedia Networks (ICWMMN 2008), Beijing China, 12-15 October 2008.

2. C.Tselikis, S. Mitropoulos, C. Douligeris, N. Komninos, “A Robust and Consistent Re-clustering Algorithm in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks”, IEEE International Wireless Communication and Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC 2008), Chania Crete Island, Greece, 6-8 August, 2008.

3. N. Komninos, H. Soroush, and M. Salajegheh, “LEE: Light-Weight Energy-Efficient Encryption Algorithm for Sensor Networks”, IEEE Ninth International Symposium on Communication Theory & Applications (ISCTA’07), 16-20 July, 2007

4. N. Komninos, “Morpheus: Stream Cipher for Software & Hardware Applications”, IEEE Ninth International Symposium on Communication Theory & Applications (ISCTA’07), 16-20 July, 2007

5. A. Mitrokosta, N. Komninos, and C. Douligeris, “Intrusion Detection with Neural Networks and Watermarking Techniques for MANET”, IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Services (ICPS’07), 15-20 July, 2007

6. A. Mitrokosta, N. Komninos, and C. Douligeris, “Towards an Effective Intrusion Response Engine Combined with Intrusion Detection in Ad Hoc Networks”, Sixth IFIP Annual Mediterranean Ad Hoc Networking Workshop (MED-HOC-NET’07), 13-15 June, 2007, Page(s): 137-144

7. N. Komninos, D. Vergados, and C. Douligeris, “Two-Step Authentication in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks”, Global Mobile Congress, 11-16 October, China, ISSN: 1557-0622, Page(s): 91-97, 2006

8. N. Komninos and T. Dimitriou, “Adaptive Authentication and Key Agreement Mechanism for Future Cellular Systems”, 15th IST Mobile & Wireless Communications Summit, 4-8 June, Greece, 2006

9. N. Komninos and B. Honary, “Novel Methods for Enabling Public Key Schemes in Future Mobile Systems”, IEE 3rd International Conference on 3G Mobile Communication Technologies, IEE Conference Publication 489, ISBN 0 85296 749 7, UK, 2002, Page(s): 455-458.

10. N. Komninos and B. Honary, “Security Enhancement for A5/1 Without Losing Hardware Efficiency in Future Mobile Systems”, IEE 3rd International Conference on 3G Mobile Communication Technologies, IEE Conference Publication 489, UK, 2002, Page(s): 324-328.

11. N. Komninos and B. Honary, “Modified WAP for Secure Voice and Video Communication”, IEE 2nd International Conference on 3G Mobile Communication Technologies. IEE Conference Publication 477, UK, 2001, Page(s): 33-37.

12. N. Komninos, B. Honary, and M. Darnell, “Secure Communication Protocol for Mobile Multimedia Applications”, 3rd International Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC’2000), Bangkok, Thailand, 2000, Page(s): 1011-1014.

13. N. Komninos, M. I. Samarakoon, and B. Honary, “Authentication and Key Distribution for Wired and Wireless Systems”, 1st Annual Symposium on the Convergence of Telecommunications, Networking and Broadcasting, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, 2000, Page(s): 236-240.

AREAS OF TECHNICAL INTEREST

• Applied Cryptography (Block and Stream Ciphers, Hash Functions, Authentication & Key Agreement Protocols)

• Network Security & Biometrics (Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Cellular & Wireless Networks, Watermarking, Transport Layer Protocols)

• Smart Card Security (Cryptographic Algorithms, Secure Storage/Retrieval, Smart Identities)

TECHNICAL REPORTS

1. G. Mantas and N. Komninos, "Possible Modifications to the Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm (AES)", TR-NK-101, 2006

2. S. Hadjiagapis and N. Komninos, "Elliptic Curve Cryptography on the Glance", TR-NK-102, 2007

3. J.Vangjeli and N. Komninos, "Survey of e-Voting Systems", TR-NK-103,
   2007

4. D. Liapis and N. Komninos, "Protocol of Embedded System's Security", TR-NK-104, 2007

5. A. Michalas, V. Savakis and N. Komninos, "On the Rotation of Hash Functions", TR-NK-105, 2007

6. T. Miskas, C. Papadiamantopoulos and N. Komninos, "Secure Time Synchronisation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks", TR-NK-106, 2007

7. N. Komninos, "Cryptoflex Smart Cards: How to", TR-NK-107, 2007

8. N. Komninos, "Electronic Payment Systems", TR-NK-108, 2007

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers)

• IEEE Communications Society

• IEEE Computer Society
   

Last Updated: April 2008