Google finds what they're searching for in student cybersecurity researcher

In October 2023, Google announced that Kyle Zeng was the recipient of the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship for his innovative solutions to cybersecurity attacks.

Zeng, the first ASU student to receive the coveted award, is a research assistant in CTF’s lab and a PhD student in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence.

“I was thrilled when I knew I got the award,” said Zeng. “This award means a lot to me.”

The Google PhD Fellowship is awarded globally to exemplary students in computer science and related fields, acknowledges students' contributions to their areas of specialty, and provides funding for their education and research. The fellowship also pairs recipients with a research mentor at Google.

“Even a big tech company like Google recognizes my research and is willing to sponsor me,” said Zeng. “Winning this award motivates me to dive further into meaningful research and bring better security to all users.”

Zeng’s research addresses the real dangers of vulnerabilities in the world of cybersecurity.

Undiscovered exploitable vulnerabilities in systems allow attackers to fully control a victim's mobile phone, laptop and all other electronic devices, Zeng said.

“Attackers can compromise a victim's system without them doing anything — not even clicking a link. It allows attackers to steal critical information, (like) bank accounts, from a victim, track their locations, record their conversations and more,” he said.

Zeng’s advisor, Tiffany Bao, said she is proud of his accomplishments. Bao is the associate director of research acceleration at the Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations.

“He is doing a lot of amazing and impactful research,” said Bao, an assistant professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. “Zeng’s recognition means ASU is not only creating research but is making a social impact on cybersecurity to industry,” she said.