Luis Hernandez Encinas | Cryptography | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Hernandez Encinas | Cryptography | Best Researcher Award

Research professor at Spanish National Research Council, Spain

Dr. Luis Hernández Encinas is a Research Professor at the Department of Information and Communication Technologies (TIC) within the Institute of Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid. With over three decades of expertise in mathematics and cybersecurity, he is recognized as a leading voice in cryptography and digital security.

Professional Profile:

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Education Background

  • Dr. Hernández earned his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Salamanca (Spain) in 1992, laying the foundation for a prolific academic and research career in cryptography and information security.
Professional Development
  • Since completing his doctorate, Dr. Hernández has served as a principal investigator and project leader in numerous national and international research initiatives. His work spans theoretical and applied cryptography, and he frequently contributes to strategic forums and advisory committees on cybersecurity and cryptographic technologies. He also represents CSIC in various collaborative efforts, often speaking at high-level workshops and seminars.

Research Focus

  • His current research focuses on pre- and post-quantum cryptography and cryptanalysis, pseudorandom number generators, digital signature schemes, authentication and identification protocols, cryptobiometrics, side-channel attacks, and computational number theory.

Author Metrics:

  • Dr. Hernández is the author of over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and more than 120 conference contributions. His scholarly work is widely cited, and he maintains active profiles on Google Scholar and ORCID. He has also authored several books and holds multiple patents in the field of cybersecurity.

Awards and Honors:

  • Dr. Hernández was awarded the CCN-2021 National Award for Professional Career in Cybersecurity by the National Cryptologic Center (CCN) under the Spanish Ministry of Defense. In 2022, he was decorated with the Police Merit Cross with White Distinction by the Ministry of the Interior for his contributions to national cybersecurity initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

1. Post-Quantum Wireless-based Key Encapsulation Mechanism via CRYSTALS-Kyber for Resource-Constrained Devices

Authors: MA de la Torre, IA Sandoval, GTF de Abreu, LH Encinas
Published: arXiv preprint, arXiv:2504.04511 (2025)
Summary:
This paper proposes a wireless key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) designed specifically for resource-constrained devices (e.g., IoT and embedded systems) using the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm—one of the post-quantum cryptographic schemes selected by NIST. The study focuses on the adaptation and performance analysis of Kyber in low-power environments, addressing latency, memory footprint, and security in practical implementations.

2. Protección de datos y dispositivos personales

Author: L Hernández Encinas
Published by: CSIC – Plataforma Temática Interdisciplinar de Ciencia e Innovación (2025)
Summary:
This monograph or technical report explores the current landscape of personal data protection in the age of smart devices. It analyzes privacy challenges, legislative frameworks, and practical recommendations for protecting both data and devices. The work targets a broad audience, including policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, and the general public.

3. Study About the Performance of Ascon in Arduino Devices

Authors: V Sarasa Laborda, L Hernández-Álvarez, L Hernández Encinas, et al.
Published in: Applied Sciences, Vol. 15, Issue 7, Article 4071 (2025)
DOI: [If available, can be inserted here]
Summary:
This paper investigates the implementation and performance of Ascon, a NIST-selected lightweight cryptographic algorithm, on Arduino devices. It presents empirical benchmarks of encryption and decryption speeds, memory usage, and energy consumption, confirming its suitability for ultra-low-resource applications in the IoT ecosystem.

4. Implementación del algoritmo de Shor para la factorización de N=21

Authors: VS Laborda, MÁG de la Torre, LH Álvarez, LH Encinas
Published in: XVIII Reunión Española sobre Criptología y Seguridad de la Información (RECSI), 2025
Summary:
This conference paper presents a pedagogical and experimental implementation of Shor’s algorithm to factor the number 21 using quantum circuit simulators. It includes the step-by-step quantum circuit design, modular exponentiation, and Quantum Fourier Transform stages. The paper aims to provide educational insight and validation of quantum computing concepts in small-scale examples.

5. Performance Analysis of NTT Algorithms

Authors: D García Lleyda, V Gayoso Martínez, L Hernández Encinas, et al.
Published in: International Conference on EUropean Transnational Education, pp. 168–178 (2024)
Summary:
This research examines various implementations of the Number Theoretic Transform (NTT), a core computational component in lattice-based cryptographic protocols such as Kyber and Dilithium. The study benchmarks NTT algorithms across platforms and optimizations, offering insight into performance trade-offs in cryptographic libraries and embedded environments.

Conclusion

Dr. Luis Hernández Encinas exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher in cryptography and cybersecurity. His career is distinguished by long-term contributions, innovative and impactful research, national honors, and institutional leadership. While there are opportunities to expand his global and industrial reach, his profile already stands as one of academic excellence and real-world relevance.

Highly recommended for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his pioneering work, leadership in cybersecurity, and consistent scientific contributions.

Abeer Iftikhar | Information Security | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Abeer Iftikhar | Information Security | Best Researcher Award

PHD Scholar, Bahria University Islamabad, Pakistan 📝

Dr. Abeer Iftikhar Tahirkheli is a distinguished researcher and instructor with nearly 24 years of extensive experience in the fields of Computer Science, Information Security, Strategic Studies, and Defense Analysis. Her professional journey spans multinational corporations, academia, and defense forces, where she has significantly contributed to research, instructional roles, and strategic development. Dr. Abeer’s primary focus is on advancing Information Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Network Forensics, with a special emphasis on Smart City Networks and Trust Evaluation Mechanisms. Her academic and professional contributions are marked by a commitment to enhancing security protocols and developing innovative solutions to address modern-day challenges in cybersecurity, strategic studies, and forensic analysis.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Abeer Iftikhar Tahirkheli has an impressive academic background in Computer Science, Information Security, and Strategic Studies. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Computer Science at Bahria University, Islamabad, with research aimed at enhancing trust in smart city networks through innovative security measures. She earned her MS in Information Security from Bahria University in 2020, achieving a CGPA of 4.0 and a Roll of Honor for her work on trust evaluation in networked environments. Dr. Abeer also holds an MPhil in Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, where she graduated top of her class with a thesis on the strategic impact of military modernization in South Asia. Her foundation includes a Master’s in Computer Science from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and a Bachelor’s in Science from Punjab University, with a focus on Mathematics and Statistics. She has also earned certifications in cybersecurity, including MCNA-2 and advanced Signals Analysis training in Germany.

Professional Experience 💼

With almost 16 years in instructional roles, Dr. Abeer has taught and developed courses across multiple educational and professional echelons, focusing on subjects like Information Technology, Signal Communication, Security Analysis, and Strategic Studies. Her vast experience includes roles in multinational environments and defense sectors, where she led projects in Network Security, Surveillance, and Communication Systems. Her strategic insight, analytical abilities, and research initiatives have had a substantial impact on security operations and technology implementation in defense organizations.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Abeer’s research interests lie at the intersection of technology and security. She specializes in:

  • Information Security and Trust Mechanisms
  • Artificial Intelligence for Smart City Applications
  • Network Forensics and Cyber Threat Prevention
  • Security and Surveillance Systems in Defense
  • Strategic Studies and Conflict Analysis

Her research contributions focus on advancing security measures in smart cities, utilizing detection and prevention methods to maintain data integrity and system trust in edge-based networks. She is also deeply engaged in exploring the strategic implications of modernization in regional defense systems, contributing to the strategic environment of South Asia.

Author Metrics 🏆

Dr. Abeer Iftikhar Tahirkheli’s author metrics reflect her impactful contributions in cybersecurity, strategic studies, and network forensics. Her research, primarily focused on trust mechanisms for smart city networks and security innovations in edge computing, has been well-received, with numerous citations that highlight her influence in both academic and professional communities. Dr. Abeer’s publications span reputed journals and conferences, where she has presented her findings on enhancing information security and analyzing strategic geopolitical impacts, particularly in South Asia. Her work’s high citation count underscores the relevance and applicability of her research to contemporary security and strategic challenges, and her recognized contributions are evident in her collaborations across interdisciplinary studies. Her author metrics illustrate a sustained commitment to pioneering research, driving advancements in technology and security practices for complex, real-world systems.

Publications Top Notes 📚

  1. Trust Management and Evaluation for Edge Intelligence in the Internet of Things
    • Authors: KN Qureshi, A Iftikhar, SN Bhatti, F Piccialli, F Giampaolo, G Jeon
    • Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
    • Volume: 94
    • Article ID: 103756
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 62
    • Summary: This paper explores trust management frameworks for edge intelligence in IoT systems, aiming to enhance security and reliability in decentralized environments.
  2. A Survey on Modern Cloud Computing Security over Smart City Networks: Threats, Vulnerabilities, Consequences, Countermeasures, and Challenges
    • Authors: AI Tahirkheli, M Shiraz, B Hayat, M Idrees, A Sajid, R Ullah, N Ayub
    • Journal: Electronics
    • Volume: 10, Issue 15
    • Article ID: 1811
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 47
    • Summary: This survey provides an in-depth review of security challenges in cloud computing for smart cities, including threats, vulnerabilities, and effective countermeasures, with a focus on improving resilience.
  3. Security, Trust, and Privacy Risks, Responses, and Solutions for High-Speed Smart Cities Networks: A Systematic Literature Review
    • Authors: A Iftikhar, KN Qureshi, M Shiraz, S Albahli
    • Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Computer and Information Sciences
    • Article ID: 101788
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 20
    • Summary: This paper systematically reviews the risks and protective measures surrounding security, trust, and privacy within high-speed smart city networks, offering a foundation for safer digital infrastructures.
  4. Predicting COVID-19 Infections Prevalence Using Linear Regression Tool
    • Authors: STA Shah, A Iftikhar, MI Khan, M Mansoor, AF Mirza, M Bilal
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 7
    • Summary: In this research, linear regression models are applied to predict COVID-19 infection trends, contributing to epidemiological understanding and planning.
  5. A Blockchain-based Secure Authentication Technique for Ensuring User Privacy in Edge-Based Smart City Networks
    • Authors: A Iftikhar, KN Qureshi, FB Hussain, M Shiraz, M Sookhak
    • Journal: Journal of Network and Computer Applications
    • Article DOI: 10.1016/j.jnca.2024.104052
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Article Number: 104052

Conclusion

Given her extensive experience, interdisciplinary approach, and significant contributions to network security and strategic studies, Dr. Abeer Iftikhar Tahirkheli’s profile strongly aligns with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. Her commitment to advancing cybersecurity in smart cities, alongside her academic rigor and dedication, make her a highly deserving candidate for this honor.