Staff Software Engineer at Meta, Menlo Park, CA

Title of the Talk :
Cybersecurity in Protecting User Privacy: Challenges, Emerging Technologies, and Future Directions

Abstract of Talk:
Cybersecurity and user privacy are deeply intertwined in the digital age, as protecting individuals’ personal data is both a technical challenge and a critical societal need. This paper examines the multifaceted relationship between cybersecurity and privacy, exploring current challenges, emerging technologies, and future directions in this field. We review how evolving threats – from sophisticated cyberattacks to data breaches and privacy-invasive practices – are outpacing traditional security measures, often leaving users feeling vulnerable and with little control over their data. At the same time, we highlight emerging technologies that offer new opportunities to bolster privacy, such as privacy-enhancing techniques (PETs), advanced encryption, artificial intelligence (AI) for threat detection, and quantum-resistant cryptography. We also discuss the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for human-centric approaches to security that balance robust protection with user trust and convenience. The findings indicate that achieving strong user privacy in the face of modern threats requires a holistic strategy: combining cutting-edge technology, compliance with privacy laws, and a focus on human factors. By analyzing these elements, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state of cybersecurity for user privacy and outlines a roadmap for future research and practice aimed at securing personal data in an increasingly complex digital environment.