Computer networks are the pinnacle of communication, as well as information systems. The unprecedented advancements in networks and the Internet, have undeniably enabled applications that are not only exciting, but also add value to our lives in almost every aspect. However, over the last decades, despite the surge in advancements in the cyber world, security has become one of the most daunting challenges that is not only causing threats to the services offered by the technologies but can also endanger human lives. 

Cybersecurity is a general term that refers to the body of technologies and practices of protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unauthorized access or attacks that are aimed for exploitation. The rapid market growth of Internet and communication technologies is being fueled by the current technological trends including the onslaught of initiatives with ever-evolving security requirements, for example connected car technology, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud services and other novel networking and computing paradigms. Major areas covered in cybersecurity are application security, information security, and network security. The spectrum of cybersecurity is huge but the primary focus of the lab will be on the network part of the cybersecurity whereas other aspects of cybersecurity will be secondary topics.

The mission of Networks and Blockchain lab at Innopolis University is to focus on the networks, the security of networks, services, information, and applications as well as the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.