Security in Action

Presentation overview

In this session, Dr. Sanchari Das will discuss behavioral insights to create cybersecurity solutions that address a wide range of user needs. With a focus on bridging the gap between academic research and practical implementation, the talk highlights challenges faced by individuals navigating secure digital spaces.

Drawing from her extensive research, including studies on cybersecurity across different demographics, Dr. Das will discuss how cognitive overload and a lack of tailored security solutions affect users. Her work examines how people adapt to evolving technologies and manage online threats while maintaining usability.

Dr. Das will present strategies rooted in privacy-by-design and user-centric approaches, demonstrating how organizations can design security solutions that are intuitive and effective. Using real-world case studies, she will provide recommendations to help organizations encourage secure behavior and improve cybersecurity awareness.

Attendees will leave with insights into designing cybersecurity systems that enhance privacy and security. This session aims to explore cybersecurity solutions that go beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to create a safer digital environment. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or policymaker, this talk offers practical guidance on cybersecurity and privacy best practices.

Biography

Dr. Sanchari Das is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at George Mason University (GMU). She conducts research on computer security, privacy, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and the sustainability of emerging technologies like IoT and AR/VR/MR/XR. Through her leadership of the Center for AI, Privacy, & Security (CAPS) and Secure Realities Labs, Dr. Das advances projects focused on privacy, security, and user experiences across sectors such as healthcare, education, social media, gaming, and financial technology.

Her research has been presented at leading conferences, including RSA, BlackHat, and Financial Cryptography, earning recognition such as best paper awards at CSCW, ICISSP, and IoTDI. She has also received grants and awards from the National Science Foundation, Facebook, and Google.

Before joining GMU, Dr. Das was an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver, where she received the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. Holding a Ph.D. in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington, she combines academic expertise with industry experience at organizations like American Express, Parity Technologies, and HCL. Dr. Das’s talk will focus on how technology can enhance security and privacy while maintaining usability and innovation.