Summary
Alexandre Barreto is an Associate Professor, Department of Cyber Security Engineering at George Mason University.
He has applied his significant experience as an air traffic and air defense infrastructure manager to a career specializing in the field of cybersecurity and networking, which in conjunction with his research on cyber impact assessment, has led to applications in cyber and transportation security, and decision support systems in defense and critical infrastructure areas. These topics are at the core of his classroom activities at both graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as his research path.
Barreto is a researcher in impact assessment and secure air transportation protocols and developed innovative applications and extensions that aid in the fight against cyber-warfare. He received his MS and PhD from Instituto Tecnolรณgico de Aeronรกutica in Brazil.
Source: GMU CEC Page
OnAir Post: Alexandre Barreto
About
LinkedIn Overview
With over 30 years of cybersecurity expertise spanning academia, research, and practical application, As an Associate Professor at George Mason University, I lead Cyber-security System Engineering, Secure Software Engineering, and Cyber Risk Analysis courses, driving research into cybersecurity and privacy threat modeling for complex systems like Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) and crisis management systems.
My practical experience is extensive. I developed the Cyber-Argus framework, initially designed for ADS-B scenarios, to measure the operational impact of cyber events. This framework, published in the Journal of Computer Networks and now foundational to the DALNIM Project (South Korean Defense), demonstrates my ability to translate research into real-world solutions. My research focuses on aviation security, including extensive work on ADS-B protocol authentication, for which I have a patent. Recent projects, such as the AFCENT counter-drone planning tool (MUSCAT), showcase my ability to apply advanced technologies like HTN planning, hybrid sensor placement, and probabilistic reasoning to address critical security challenges with civilian applications for airport and critical infrastructure protection. Ongoing research includes GPS threat analysis for GNSS procedures (UNB) and passive anomalous ADS-B attack detection.
As former Deputy Director of Research & Development at the Brazilian Airspace Control Institute (DECEA), I led multidisciplinary teams, fostering partnerships with agencies like the FAA, ANAC, and ANATEL-BR and industry leaders such as Boeing and SAAB. I spearheaded the development of the DECEA certification process and managed critical projects, including the Brazilian GBAS threat model and the certification of IACIT DME and BRADAR secondary radar. My experience within the Brazilian Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, overseeing critical IT and security operations, provides a deep understanding of aviation security standards and regulations.
Post-retirement, I founded a company that contributed to the approval of early Brazilian RPAS projects with ANAC and collaborated on the telecommunications and security design for the EDP-Brazilian smart grid. My leadership is characterized by strategic planning, effective communication, and a passion for enhancing cybersecurity resilience within the aviation industry and critical infrastructure.
Source: LinkedIn
Contact
Email: School
Locations
Research Hall
Fairfax, VA 22030
Web Links
Articles
๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ:
Source: LinkedIn
Last year, at George Mason University, I began teaching Cybersecurity System Engineering, and it has been an incredible experience mentoring the new wave of cyber talent.
I gave my class a tough assignment: deeply analyze the security and privacy risks of a real-world, complex systemโthe Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) infrastructure for drone coordination. The initial result was two high-quality, 60-page professional reports.
But we didn’t stop there! I challenged the students to turn that research into a formal paper and submit it to a top-tier event, the Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC). They delivered an exciting paper that was accepted for presentation!
I regret not being able to be there, but the team had stellar representation from Brooke Prigg, an exceptional Ph.D. student who was instrumental in this project.
A special thanks to Maha Raja for her leadership in writing the paper, without which we would not have achieved this success.
Congratulations to the brilliant minds behind this work: Maha Raja, Brooke Prigg, Saira Akram, Manroop Dhanoa, and Ayra Islam. Thank you for teaching me so much. I know you all have phenomenal careers ahead of you.
I would also like to thank the GMU Cyber Security Department (CYSE) for their support throughout this journey. For the official announcement from the Department of Cyber Security Engineering at GMU, please see their post here: [https://lnkd.in/e4XmgK3n].
hashtag#GMU hashtag#StudentSuccess hashtag#CybersecurityEducation hashtag#AviationSecurity hashtag#CYSE hashtag#Research hashtag#DASC2025
