The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI) has added to its list of Professors with the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Drs. Suryadi, M.T. as a permanent Professor in the field of Data Security Science. The inauguration took place on Wednesday (12/2) at the Convention Hall, UI Depok Campus, and was led by the Chancellor of UI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU.

In his inaugural speech entitled “Mathematical Advocacy in Cryptography and Intrusion Detection Systems”, Prof. Suryadi discussed various important issues related to data security in today’s digital era. He stated that the industrial revolution 4.0 has brought about major changes in the way information is produced and distributed through the adoption of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and increasingly widespread connectivity.

“Digital transformation that brings all data digitally based and connected through the internet of things (IoT) raises major challenges in terms of data security. Cybersecurity is a major issue that must be our common concern,” said Prof. Suryadi.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of managing data and information security, which is now not only a support, but also a primary resource that has a value far greater than oil. “Data and information must be maintained and protected properly so that they are not lost or even detrimental,” he added.

In his speech, Prof. Suryadi also expressed his concerns regarding the high threat of cyber attacks in Indonesia. Based on data from the National Cyber ​​and Crypto Agency (BSSN), 158 cyber attacks were recorded per second during the period from January to June 2024. He appealed to all parties, both individuals, organizations, agencies, and companies, to be more vigilant against this threat.

In addition, Prof. Suryadi highlighted the phenomenon of image manipulation or deep fake, which is widely used for negative purposes on social media. For that, he suggested the implementation of a dynamic intruder detection system and data security using cryptography and steganography techniques.

One of the breakthroughs developed by Prof. Suryadi is a cryptography technique based on chaos functions which is claimed to provide stronger protection for digital data. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the national cybersecurity system in accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 47 of 2023 concerning the National Cybersecurity Strategy (SKSN).

Prof. Suryadi added that this effort is in line with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG number 9 which is related to industrial and infrastructure development, and SDG number 11 which aims to create a safe and sustainable city.

“The research we developed uses two encryption approaches, namely keystream cipher and block cipher, which can improve data protection at various levels,” he explained.

In the future, the biggest challenge faced is how to implement this cryptographic algorithm into a physical device such as an integrated circuit (IC) through the design of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Prof. Suryadi also encouraged the need for pentahelix cooperation between academics, government, industry, society, and the media to support the development of the national cryptography industry.

With this inauguration, Prof. Suryadi hopes that research and innovation in the field of cryptography can further support the creation of a safer, more sustainable, and more competitive society at the global level.

Suryadi completed his undergraduate education at FMIPA UI, in 1990. Then in 1998, he completed his master’s studies at the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Then, he returned to UI and successfully obtained a doctorate at the Faculty of Engineering (FT), in 2013.

Also present in the inauguration procession were Professors of the Defense University, Deputy Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Vice Admiral TNI (P). Prof. Dr. Ir. Amarulla Octavian, ST, MSc., DESD, IPU, ASEAN.Eng.; Professor of Police Science Studies, Police Science College (STIK) PTIK, Head of the Police Education and Training Institute, Commissioner General. Pol. Prof. Dr. Chryshnanda Dwilaksana, M.Sc.; Deputy Rector IV of Gunadarma University Prof. Dr. Didin Mukodim, M.M.; Professor of Criminal Law, Police Science College (STIK) PTIK, National Police Education and Training Institute, Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar for the 2018-2023 period, Commissioner General. Pol. (P). Prof. Dr. Iza Fadri, SIK, SH, M.Sc.; Professor of Defense Science in the Field of Aviation Policy, Defense University of the Republic of Indonesia, Air Marshal TNI (P). Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Adang Supriyadi, ST, MM, IPU, ASEAN.Eng.; Professor of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) Prof. Dr. Ir. Endar Hasafah Nugrahani, M.S.