Paul Van Oorschot
Professor
| Degrees: | Ph.D. Waterloo (1988) |
| Phone: | 613-520-2600 x 4333 |
| Email: | paulv@scs.carleton.ca |
| Office: | HP5173 |
| Website: | Paul Van Oorschot Homepage |
Research Interests
Authentication, Computer Security, Internet Security, Applied Cryptography, Information Security
Specific Research Interests
Authentication and Identity Management, System Security, Software Security, Application and Web Security, Network Security, Smartphone Security, Usability and Security, Passwords, Public-Key Infrastructure, SSL/TLS.
Current Research
Dr. Van Oorschot’s research is centred on authentication, Internet security infrastructure such as SSL/TLS and certificate-based architectures, software security, client device security, and usable security. His interest in Internet authentication includes methods to augment ordinary passwords with additional dimensions such as geolocation, device recognition, and other means with zero or minimal burden on users. This complements his interest in public-key infrastructure (PKI), text and image-based passwords, and more generally, identity management taking into account both human users and software design constraints. Other current research interests include smartphone security, secure software installation, network scanning, and the interconnected areas of software, application and web security.
In the News & Media
World-leaders in Cryptography: Paul Van Oorschot is an insightful interview that highlights the work and impact of Professor Paul Van Oorshot, a leading expert in cryptography and computer security. In the video, Van Oorschot discusses his career in research, education, and the development of modern security technologies. He has served as a Professor of Computer Science at Carleton University in Ottawa and for 21 years held a Canada Research Chair in authentication and computer security, making significant contributions to how information is protected in the digital age.
The talk covers:
- Applied cryptography and authentication, which ensure secure communications in systems ranging from online banking to email and mobile applications.
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Insights from the co-author of Handbook of Applied Cryptography, a globally recognized reference
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Reflections on how cryptographic research intersects with real-world challenges in cybersecurity and Internet technologies, shaping both academic inquiry and industry practice.
The video is both an introduction to a world-leading scholar’s work and an accessible window into the importance of cryptography – a field that underpins data security for everyday technologies. It’s particularly relevant for students interested in computer science, information security, mathematics, and technology leadership. The episode is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Biography
Dr. Van Oorschot is a Professor and from 2002 to 2023 was Canada Research Chair in Authentication and Computer Security. He is also the co-author of the Handbook of Applied Cryptography. From 2008 to 2013 he was the Scientific Director of NSERC Internetworked Systems Security Network, a pan-Canadian strategic research network exploring computer and Internet security. Dr. Van Oorschot received both his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, which also later awarded him the J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation in 2000. In 2011, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the oldest association of scientists and scholars in Canada. He joined the School of Computer Science at Carleton University in 2002.
Homepage
https://www.scs.carleton.ca/~paulv/
Research Group
Carleton Computer Security Lab (CCSL)