Session: Invisible Attacks, Visible Insights: Network Telescopes for ISP Security
In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, ISPs face a growing number of threats that often remain invisible until it’s too late. Network telescopes—specialized sensors that capture unsolicited traffic—offer a powerful yet underutilized method for detecting and analyzing these hidden cyber threats.
This session will explore how network telescopes can be leveraged to uncover large-scale scanning activities, detect emerging attack patterns, and enhance ISP security posture. We will discuss real-world case studies, challenges in blacklisting and evasion, and the role of machine learning in automating threat detection. Additionally, we will introduce the concept of a dynamic network telescope, an adaptive system capable of responding to evolving threat landscapes, improving resilience against blacklisting, and enhancing long-term threat intelligence.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into how ISPs can use network telescope data to proactively identify and mitigate cyber threats, helping to fortify infrastructure against attacks before they cause widespread damage. Whether you're a cybersecurity researcher, ISP engineer, or industry professional, this session will provide actionable strategies to turn invisible attacks into visible insights while exploring the next generation of dynamic, adaptive network telescopes.
Bio
Dr. Shereen Ismail is a Research Scientist in Networking and Cybersecurity at Merit Network, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her research focuses on Wireless Networks and Cybersecurity. Dr. Ismail earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she also served as a graduate research assistant in both the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed an MSc in Computer Engineering and Networks, as well as a BSc in Computer Engineering, both from the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.
She has taught undergraduate courses at the American University of Ras Al-Khaimah, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, and Applied Science University of Jordan. Dr. Ismail has garnered recognition through several awards in both research and education, including third place for Best Paper at the 23rd Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro Information Technology (EIT 2023), as well as Best Presenter awards at the IEEE Annual Computing and Communication Workshop and Conference (IEEE CCWC 2022) and IEEE Annual Ubiquitous Computing, Electronics & Mobile Communication Conference (IEEE UEMCON 2021). She was also honored with a scholarship at the 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Women in Services Computing (IEEE WISC).
In recognition of her exceptional teaching, Dr. Ismail received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching during the 2018-2019 academic year at the American University of Ras Al-Khaimah. She has recently been elevated to the grade of IEEE Senior Member. Additionally, she actively contributes as a journal reviewer and serves on various conference committees, further enhancing her academic impact.