I am a second-year PhD student in the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research specializing in cybersecurity with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations. My research addresses the unique security challenges faced by groups at heightened risk, such as student-athletes and victims of technology-facilitated interpersonal abuse. I am currently working on projects aimed at understanding the security needs of these populations and working toward potential mitigations of these threats, including forward-looking design principles. Previously, I was part of the Wolfpack Security Lab at NC State, where I worked on phishing detection and led a team investigating security flaws in fitness tracking apps. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am passionate about sports, actively competiting in Ironman triathlon with former experience as Division I swimmer at the fourth nationally ranked university.
Authors: Kevin Childs, Cassidy Gibson, Anna Crowder, Kevin Warren, Carson Stillman, Elissa Redmiles, Eakta Jain, Patrick Traynor, Kevin Butler
Publication Venue: ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS), 2024
Authors: Aleksandr Nahapetyan, Sathvik Prasad, Kevin Childs, Adam Oest, Yeganeh Ladwig, Alexandros Kapravelos, Bradley Reaves
Publication Venue: IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, 2024
Authors: Kevin Childs, Daniel Nolting, Anupam Das
Publication Venue: IEEE Workshop on Technology and Consumer Protection, 2023
Description This research examines whether anonymized GPS and IMU data can be de-anonymized using video footage from sports competitions. It investigates the potential for video data to fingerprint motion data captured by sensors, particularly in the event of a data breach.
Description This research examines the collection and security of data from student-athletes, including sensitive metrics gathered during practices and games. It explores risks to privacy, fair competition, and gambling integrity, as well as existing data management solutions to address these concerns
Description: Highlights the role of Kevin Childs and Mollie Brewer in the UF and Sport collaborative
Description: Describes a vulnerability that allows for the home address of some Strava users to be discovered.
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In my spare time, I enjoy training and competing in Ironman distance triathlons, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. Stemming from a Division I background in swimming at NC State, I have developed a love for the community that sports and outdoor groups foster. Additionally, I enjoy hosting dinner parties, gardening, cooking Costco-sized portions of food, and playing piano.
