Scientific projects

The Scientific Cyber Security Association, also known as SCSA, is actively involved in various scientific projects both in Georgia and internationally. Our association works closely with local and foreign experts and is funded by both local and international scientific funds. We are proud to be a member of the consortium and implementer of a large number of Erasmus+ projects.

Our association collaborates not only with researchers but also with institutions. Some of our partner research institutions include Caucasus University (Georgia), Black Sea University (Georgia), Transylvania University of Brasov (Romania), National Aviation University (Ukraine), Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Aveiro University (Portugal), University of Valladolid (Spain), Fairleigh Dickinson University (USA), University of Lille (France), and Inha University (Uzbekistan).

Security Education Center for Unified Resilience and Effective Communications (SECURE)

Security Education Center for Unified Resilience and Effective Communications (SECURE)

Dates: 2024-2027
Duration: 3 years
Financing Source: Erasmus+ Capacity building in higher education

Description:
Within the framework of the project, three laboratories will be created in 3 universities of Georgia - the largest quantum laboratory in the region, AI/ML lab, research laboratory of 5G/6G networks. Within the framework of the creation and operation of the laboratory, researchers and staff will work on the development of scientific-practical research and educational courses in the direction of safety. Laboratories will be connected to each other and appropriate coordination will take place. Member universities of the consortium participating from the EU side will provide support to local universities and will be actively involved in both the creation of laboratories and the research process. From Georgia, Caucasus University is involved in the project as the project coordinator in Georgia, on the basis of which the largest quantum laboratory in the region will be created. In addition, the team involved from the Caucasus University will be responsible for the development of the quantum and post-quantum security course and the research of relevant issues in Georgia.

The coordinator of the project in Georgia is Professor Maksim Iavich. Also involved in the project are Giorgi Akhalaia, Archil Shengelia, Sergo Simonov, Akaki Kapanadze, Oksana Kovalchuk, and Ketevani Grdzelidze.

Scientific Cyber Security Association, together with the Internet Development Initiative, Integra LLC, and NGS Group, is a project partner.

Safeguarding Cyberspace Stability: Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Internet Fragmentation in the Black Sea Region

Safeguarding Cyberspace Stability: Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Internet Fragmentation in the Black Sea Region

Dates:2025-2027
Duration: 2 years
Financing Source: NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Project

Description:
This project aims to address the emerging challenges of post-quantum cryptography by pioneering a digital signature system utilizing the innovative Verkle tree construction. This novel approach significantly reduces proof sizes, thereby enhancing both security and computational efficiency. Furthermore, the project explores the integration of a pseudo-random number generator, leveraging a quantum random number generator for enhanced robustness.

Project Partners: Caucasus University, Transilvania University of Brașov

Post-quantum Digital Signature using Verkle Trees

Post-quantum Digital Signature using Verkle Trees

New secure and effective post-quantum digital signature scheme with integrated random number generator.

New secure and effective post-quantum digital signature scheme with integrated random number generator.

Dates: 2025-2027
Duration: 2 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The research focuses on the optimization of post-quantum digital signatures and the integration of pseudo-random and quantum random number generators into them. The research will study both random and quantum random number generators in detail to improve their efficiency and security. The results will be tested in a quantum laboratory that will be established at Caucasus University in the near future. This laboratory will be the first quantum laboratory in Georgia and the most developed region.

The young scientist of the project is Giorgi Iashvili, Associate Professor of Caucasus University and Deputy Director of the Cybersecurity Center. The mentor of the young scientist is Maxim Iavich, Professor of Caucasus University and Director of the Cybersecurity Center.

Using Verkle Trees for Post-Quantum Security

Using Verkle Trees for Post-Quantum Security

Date: 2025-2028
Duration: 3 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation
Description:
The project is focused on enhancing post-quantum cryptographic security by integrating Verkle trees into digital signature schemes.

This approach aims to improve the efficiency and security of the schemes against quantum attacks. The research will contribute to the development of robust post-quantum security solutions and enhance cryptographic resilience in the quantum era.

Project leader and researcher: Professor Maksim Iavich.

Researchers: Avtandil Gagnidze, Tamari Kuchukhidze, Diana Popova and Oksana Kovalchuk.

Mathematical Model for Optimization of a Medical Institution Management System (Using the example of A. Aladashvili Clinic N1 of The Medical University).

Mathematical Model for Optimization of a Medical Institution Management System (Using the example of A. Aladashvili Clinic N1 of The Medical University).

Date: 2025
Duration: 6 Months
Funding source: With the Support of East-West University

Description:
SCSA, in collaboration with East-West University and Aladashvili Clinic, is initiating work on a mathematical model for optimizing clinic management systems.

The goal of the project is to study the fundamental principles and models of clinic management and to evaluate the management principles of Aladashvili Clinic from this perspective. Additionally, the project aims to analyze the system's security and to develop a mathematical model for new AI-based software.

Project Team:
Avtandil Gagnidze – General Project Manager, Researcher
Maksim Iavich – Researcher
Sergei Simonov – Penetration Tester
Lasha Shavradze – Researcher
Iva Kereselidze – Researcher
Tata Phukhashvili – Researcher

International Scientific-Practical Conference “Telecommunications and Security”

International Scientific-Practical Conference “Telecommunications and Security”

Dates: 2024
Duration: 6 Months
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
In the frame of the grant, the largest in our region, an international scientific-practical conference in the field of telecommunications and security was held in October, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. The conference has been held annually since 2021, and its organizers are the Scientific Cyber Security Association (SCSA) and the Internet Development Initiative (IDI).
Leading scientists and researchers in the field of telecommunications and cyber security from different countries of the world, in particular, leading higher education institutions of Romania, Austria, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, France, the United States of America, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, took part in the conference. The conference gathered the world leading cyber security speakers.

Automated Vulnerability Detection in Software Development Using AI Techniques (AISSAM)

Automated Vulnerability Detection in Software Development Using AI Techniques (AISSAM)

Dates: 01/10/2025 30/09/2027
Duration: 2 years
Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is the European Commission, through the Horizon Europe framework program for research and innovation.

Description:
Cryptography and cybersecurity researcher of the SCSA, Tamar Kuchukhidze, under the supervision of Professor Audrius Lopata (Kaunas University of Technology) and Professor Maksim Iavich (Caucasus University) will implement a research project funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Program for research innovation. Project aims to ensure more effective uncover software vulnerabilities by combining static and symbolic analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) advances.

The project objectives are: 1. Analysis of existing practices on minimizing positives and enhance method efficiency by harnessing AI capabilities, to reduce Cybersecurity problems; 2. Develop AI-based model to improve bug detection; 3. Develop AI based prototype on static and symbolic analysis improving pentesting accuracy.
Participating University – Kaunas University of Technology, Lietuva

Author Identification through Graphematic Research of Manuscripts

Author Identification through Graphematic Research of Manuscripts

Date: 2025-2028
Duration: 3 years
Funding source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia
Project Leader: Maksim Iavich
Description:
The project envisages a graphematic research of Galaktion Tabidze’s digital archive in order to identify the author. The necessity of such research was caused by the fact that in addition to his manuscripts, the poet’s digital archive contains a number of texts written in different handwritings, both artistic and documentary. Accordingly, without attributional research, no unsigned text can be directly attributed to Galaktion. There are about 1,700 items in the archive, some of which are 100 and 200 pages long. Accordingly, there is a lot to study and research.

The team working on the project has already implemented a similar project, which aimed to date Galaktion Tabidze's texts using graphematic methods. Within its framework, hundreds of the poet's texts were dated and a monograph was published, reflecting the results of this unprecedented research for Georgia. Since the goal of attribution research is not dating, but identifying the author, this will be the first project implemented in our country using this latest research methodology. To achieve maximum accuracy of the results, both partially manual and fully automated approaches will be used.

Empowering Women in Cyber Security Through EU Experience – WISEC Academy

Empowering Women in Cyber Security Through EU Experience – WISEC Academy

Date: 2023-2026
Duration: 36 months
financing Source: Erasmus+ (Jean Monnet Modules)

Description:
he project's primary objective is to advance excellence in IT education for women, particularly in cybersecurity and data protection, enhance the quality of women’s education in Georgia using the EU’s best practices, and encourage communication between academia and society. Additionally, the project aims to raise women’s understanding of data protection in a broader social context. Within the framework of the WISEC Academy, a comprehensive, intensive learning program will be organised for women from different segments (for students, the general public, and specialists with IT background/education) in the field of cyber security based on the experience of the EU. Cybersecurity trainings will also be held for women from the regions to increase awareness of data security issues.

University of Young Penetration Testers

University of Young Penetration Testers

Dates: 01.04.2025-01.07.2025
Duration: 3 Months
Financing Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia

Description:
The project's goal is to develop cyber security skills and knowledge, particularly penetration testing, in Georgian schools, both from a practical and scientific point of view.

Within the framework of the "University of Young Penetration Testers" project, participants will listen to interactive lectures, get acquainted with the findings of advanced experts, and study the field of cyber security, in particular, penetration testing. As a result, the trainees will be given the knowledge that they will deepen in the future and will be able to start scientific work or practical activities themselves. The attention of the listeners will be directed to the main fields and aspects of the best international practice and proven methodology. The attendees will be given the opportunity to access all modern device emulators/simulators in hybrid mode.

The head of the project and lecturer is Maksim Iavich, the President of the Scientific Cyber Security Association, Professor at the Caucasus University, and Director of the Cyber Security Center.

The project coordinator and lecturer is Giorgi Akhalaia, the associate professor of the Caucasus University.

The project lecturers are Professor Avtandil Gagnidze, a Mathematician, and Sergei Simonov, a cyber security expert and head of SCSA's penetration testing team.

Development and research of quantum-resistant digital signature scheme based on Verkle tree

Development and research of quantum-resistant digital signature scheme based on Verkle tree

Date: 2024-2026
Duration: 3 years
Funding source: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Development and research of cryptographic algorithms for information protection in systems with limited resources and assessment of their stability

Development and research of cryptographic algorithms for information protection in systems with limited resources and assessment of their stability

Date: 2024-2026
Duration: 3 years
Funding source: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Seasonal school of data protection based on EU practices

Seasonal school of data protection based on EU practices

თარიღები: 2022-2025
Duration: 3 years
financing Source: Erasmus+ (Jean Monnet Modules)

Description:
The goal of the project is to raise awareness of personal data protection among users. Despite the increased focus on cyber security, unfortunately, the challenges associated with GDPR are still relevant, both for professionals of this profile and for ordinary users. In the framework of the project, the season schools for students, the academic sector, the business sector and online training for the general public will be organised. The events are free of charge.

Cyber Security and 5G League

Cyber Security and 5G League

Dates: 5.09.2022-18.09.2022
Duration: 14 days
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The seasonal school project involved both local and international specialists – professors from 8 countries, namely Georgia, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Romania, USA, Lithuania and France. Within the framework of the Cyber Security and 5G League, trainees studied the practical and scientific aspects of Cyber Security and 5G technologies. They had the opportunity to get practical knowledge from the leading international specialists in the field. Within the framework of the Cyber Security and 5G League, trainees studied the practical and scientific aspects of Cyber Security and 5G technologies.

Creation of an algorithm and a working web platform for graphematic studies

Creation of an algorithm and a working web platform for graphematic studies

Dates: 2022-2024
Duration: 2 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
within the framework of the project, a machine learning-based system for recognising the period of graphic image creation and the texts placed on them is being developed, which automatically determines the real period of the created graphic image according to specific parameters. As a result of the project, an algorithm for graphematic research and a corresponding working web platform will be obtained.

The novel approach of creating the post-quantum digital signature schemes

The novel approach of creating the post-quantum digital signature schemes

Date: 2022-2024
Duration: 24 months
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The project aims to create a digital signature scheme using the novel technology – ‘Verkle tree’. The scheme will have a reduced signature size and be secure against quantum computer attacks.

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Dates: 2016-2018
Duration: 2 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
A grant project financed by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, implemented by members of the association team. The project has been successful implemented since 2016, relevant results are got, which are distributed to global cyber security experts, and in the thematic international groups.

The new method of increasing safety of rolling stock on the base of fiber-optical rail circuits

The new method of increasing safety of rolling stock on the base of fiber-optical rail circuits

Dates: 2019-2022
Duration: 3 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The goal of the project is the improvement of the functioning of railway transport by means of elaborating corresponding railway circuits. Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation funded the project.

Cyber Cisco Security Academy for Children

Cyber Cisco Security Academy for Children

Dates: 01.10.2022-01.10.2023
Duration: 12 months
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The goal of the Academy is to develop the directions of cyber security in Georgia, both from a practical and scientific point of view. The complex training program of Cisco Systems, a global giant of computer networks and systems based in the United States of America, was used to achieve the goal, which is placed on an online training platform. www.netacad.com.

5G Network Security

5G Network Security

Dates: 2021-2022
Duration: 1 year
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
In the framework PHDF-21-088 project solution was found that will overcome vulnerabilities (MITM, data leakage, design vulnerabilities) and found a new solution to minimize the risk of cyber attacks. The project supports the creation of a micro lab where the systems security flaws were reassessed, and based on this assessment, different approaches were analyzed. A more secure and efficient way of communication will be created. In the last stage, a new secure design and function were created and implemented. That was tested in the local environment and discussed with international experts to continue working on improving our design.

Cyber incident response platform for 5G cellular networks

Cyber incident response platform for 5G cellular networks

Dates: 2020-2021
Duration: 1 year
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The goal of the project is to create a clever cyber security function for 5G cellular networks.

Random number generators for cryptography

Random number generators for cryptography

Dates: 2019-2021
Duration: 1 year
Source: Caucasus University
Description:
The goal of the project is to create efficient and secure new random number generator.

Computer Science and Cyber Security University for Children

Computer Science and Cyber Security University for Children

Dates: 4.03.2020 - 22.04.2020
Duration: 6 weeks
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The project's goal is to develop scientific and practical directions of cyber security in school pupils.

The model of post-quantum cryptography scheme

The model of post-quantum cryptography scheme

Dates: 2019-2020
Duration: 1 year
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
The goal of the project is to improve the efficiency and security of post-quantum cryptography schemes.

Digital signature schemes in post-quantum war

Digital signature schemes in post-quantum war

Dates: 2017-2019
Duration: 2 years
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation and Science and Technology Center in Ukraine

Description:
A joint project, funded by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation and Science and Technology Center in Ukraine, is being conducted by the members of the association team. As a result, we will get a new digital signature scheme which will be effective and secure and can be used in the post-quantum epoch.

Promoting European Union’s Cyber Education (PEU-C-E)

Promoting European Union’s Cyber Education (PEU-C-E)

Dates: 2020-2022
Duration: 2 years
Source: EACEA
Description:
the goal of the project is to share European experience in cyber education among students, teachers, parents, professors and decision-makers to create a safer internet for vulnerable young people
• Using the experience of the European Union, developing cyber security event seminars and training programs for the education of teachers and higher educational institutions, as well as school leaders;
• Development of event materials and brochures for children to equip them with Internet hygiene skills;
• Further adaptation of this material in schools and universities within the framework of a mandatory seminar;
• further adapt these training programs and courses to relevant local contexts and their unique patterns of diversity;
• Development of multilingual online educational resources so that the material is accessible to everyone, especially to vulnerable groups living far from the centre;
• To optimise the processes, raising the awareness of the interested parties, through the conference, taking into account the experience of the European Union.

International School "Cyber safety and Artificial Intelligence"

International School "Cyber safety and Artificial Intelligence"

Date: 01.08.2023-30.11.2023
Duration: 4 months
Funding source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
As part of the project, we established an international school called “Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence”. The school's goal was to develop the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in Georgia, both from a practical and scientific point of view. Experts from the following countries were involved in the project: Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine, the USA, Spain, and France.

Methodology of the development of secure multilayer ‘5G and beyond’ networks for the needs of special groups of subscribers in Georgia

Methodology of the development of secure multilayer ‘5G and beyond’ networks for the needs of special groups of subscribers in Georgia

Date: 2023-2026
Duration: 36 months
Source: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation

Description:
Definition of the special users communication groups; Development of a method for assessing key security indicators of 5G network slices by developing new metrics and rules that consider the specifics of the functioning of 5G cellular networks and the services provided for different groups of subscribers.; Development of a method for automated 5G network slices penetration testing; Development of an AI-based encryption methods ecosystem for 5G cellular networks; Improvement of the method of quantum key distribution methods for the appropriate network slices of 5G secured networks; Testing and validation of the developed solutions.
The project aims to:
კომუნიკაციის საჭიროების მქონე, სპეციალური სამიზნე ჯგუფების განსაზღვრა; 5G ქსელის უსაფრთხოების ძირითადი ინდიკატორების შეფასების მეთოდის შემუშავება/განვითარება ახალი მეტრიკისა და წესების შემუშავებით, რომელიც ითვალისწინებს 5G ფიჭური ქსელების ფუნქციონირების სპეციფიკას და აბონენტთა სხვადასხვა ჯგუფისთვის მიწოდებულ სერვისებს; 5G ქსელის შეღწევადობის ტესტირების ავტომატიზაციის დანერგვა; AI ზე დაფუძნებული შიფრაციის მეთოდიანი ეკოსისტემის შემუშავება 5G ქსელისთვის; კვანტური გასაღების გავრცელების მეთოდის გაუმჯობესება 5G ქსელის შესაბამის სეგმენტისთვის; მიღებული გადაწყვეტილების ტესტირება და ვალიდაცია.