Affiliated Research Group:
Key Researcher(s):
Dr. Mohammad Hammoudeh
Dr. Mohammad Imam
Dr. Abdulaziz Barnawi
Dr. Waleed Algobi
Dr. Mustafa Ghaleb
Dr. Farid BinBeshr
Researchers at KFUPM’s Interdisciplinary Research Center for Intelligent Secure Systems (IRC-ISS) are developing the Cognitive Security Operation Center (Cognitive SOC) to revolutionize cybersecurity for Cognitive Cities. Traditional Security Operation Centers (SOCs) are struggling to cope with alert fatigue, increase in sophistication of cyberattacks, and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The Cognitive SOC strengthens security by combining AI and cognitive skills to proactively protect cyber, physical, and social systems.
The Cognitive SOC boosts cyber defense with advanced automated threat hunting, proactive attack prediction, and collaborative SOC operations. Using AI-driven analysis, it aims to cut alert fatigue by up to 10 times, reduce mean-time-to-detection by 50%, and lower mean-time-to-recovery by 30%. By integrating threat intelligence across organizational and city/state levels, it provides a comprehensive security framework for smart city infrastructures.
As cyber threats increasingly target vital infrastructure like water systems, oil pipelines, and power grids, the Cognitive SOC offers a crucial layer of protection for next-generation cities. Unlike traditional SOCs, it leverages Generative AI and autonomous security models to detect and respond to threats in real-time. By combining offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies, it ensures Cognitive Cities remain resilient against evolving cyberattacks.
Through our commitment to sustainable development, this project aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):