Keywords:
Cyber Security, machine learning, encryption
Type:
Internship
Location:
Groningen
Education:
Master (EQF 7)
Published:
17/09/2021
Status:
Open
Apply before:
21/12/2021
Hours p/wk:
40

How do you want to contribute to tommorrow's world? How big can your impact be? Come and work at TNO and envision it.

 

What will be your role?

Sharing data offers a lot of opportunities for organizations. On the other hand, privacy is one of the most important topics of today. In the department Cyber Security & Robustness, TNO is researching the possibilities of secure cooperative technologies. These techniques offer solutions for parties to get collaborative insights, without having to share their data. 

Fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) is an example of such a technique. With FHE it is possible to compute on encrypted data. In a simple example one could determine the largest number from a set without knowledge about this number or any other number in the set.
Until recently, such techniques required too much computational effort to be applicable in most use cases. However, recent schemes for FHE promise vast improvement in efficiency. If they fulfil their promise, an entire new branch of secure data analysis opens up. An example of this would be machine learning on encrypted datasets with sensitive or confidential data.

The goal of this assignment is to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of these techniques. To do so, you will devise protocols that compute basic building blocks over encrypted data that can be used to construct more advanced protocols. To estimate the efficiency of these protocols they should be compared with those that make use of other techniques. Based on the gained experience more advanced protocols may be devised.
This project will consist of an introductory phase to get acquainted with basic FHE and the more advanced constructions. Afterwards, based on existing FHE libraries basic protocols will be devised and tested. The challenge in this project lies in the combination of the subtle mathematical details that guarantee the security of the FHE construction and the need for high-efficiency protocols.

You will be working in a team of cryptographers with in-depth knowledge of a vast range of cryptographic developments. But we do not only understand the techniques, we also implement them and bring them to Dutch society. In this way we have delivered essential contributions to innovations in cyber security, health care data analysis, poverty reduction and many more sectors.
 

What we expect from you

  • You are in the final phase of your masters (mathematics, physics or information science).
  • A strong background in mathematics with the ambition to learn more.
  • Cryptographic experience is an advantage.
  • Experience with programming and some common software tools.
  • Analytical and innovative thinker.
  • Good communication skills in English are expected.

What you'll get in return

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.
 

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.
 

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Due to Covid-19 and the consequent uncertainties and restrictions, students who are not residing in the Netherlands may currently not be able to start an internship or graduation project at TNO.

 

Has this job opening sparked your interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button on the TNO website.

 

Contact: Jins Jong, de
Phone number: +31 (0)6 153 65751