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Securing Web Applications by Information Flow Tracking

Project description

New information flow tracking technology

Websites are interactive thanks to JavaScript, a programming language. It’s one of the core technologies of the worldwide web. For instance, web applications – from online banking to audio or in-car infotainment applications – need JavaScript code, which is downloaded into the user’s browser every time a web page is visited. Security, however, is also an issue since attacking a web page may be as simple as compromising a third-party code component. With this in mind, the ERC funded FlowShield project will design an innovative platform for security testing and secure integration of JavaScript code from different providers. With banking and automotive industries as the prime targets, FlowShield will identify market applications and business models for using the information flow tracking technology.

Objective

In today’s technology-centric world, web applications are a key
enabler for many day-to-day activities ranging from online banking to
in-vehicle infotainment. These applications have access to a wealth of
sensitive information. Unauthorized disclosure and corruption of this
information may result in financial damage, privacy violations, and
loss of human lives.

At the heart of modern web applications lies the *JavaScript*
language. When a user visits a web page, JavaScript code from
different sources is downloaded into the user’s browser and run *with
the same privileges* as if the code came from the web page
itself. This implies that to attack a web page, it is sufficient to
compromise a third-party code component.

Drawing on the technology of *information flow tracking* developed by
the PI’s ERC project, FlowShield will provide *an innovative platform
for security testing and secure integration* of JavaScript code from
different providers. This will enable ICT companies to benefit from
the tremendous business opportunities created by third-party services,
while providing secure products to their customers.

With banking and automotive industries as prime targets, FlowShield
will confirm the potential of our security solution by investigating
market trends, competitors, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and
business models, while seeking strategic alliances with industrial and
innovation actors. The goal is to identify concrete market
applications and business models for securing web applications by
utilizing the information flow tracking technology. FlowShield will
allow ICT companies to benefit from the tremendous business
opportunities created by third-party services, while providing secure
products to their customers.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2018-PoC

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Host institution

CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 150 000,00
Address
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412 96 Goteborg
Sweden

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Region
Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 150 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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