Strahinja Janjusevic: Bridging Cybersecurity and International Policy
From the picturesque landscapes of Montenegro to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Naval Academy, Strahinja “Strajo” Janjusevic’s journey is one marked by ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, particularly in the maritime domain. As he progresses through his academic career, Janjusevic isn’t just studying the intricacies of technology; he’s actively shaping the future of cybersecurity policy on a global scale.
Early Motivation and Academic Foundations
Growing up in Montenegro, Janjusevic’s intrigue for technology led him to explore avenues where he could make a real difference. His selection for a prestigious program that allowed him to attend the U.S. Naval Academy marked a turning point in his life. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in computer science and cyber operations, fields that would become central to his life’s work.
Graduating with a dual bachelor’s degree, Janjusevic’s undergraduate experience was rich with opportunities. Working alongside the U.S. military and the National Security Agency exposed him to high-stakes cybersecurity operations, igniting a passion for addressing complex cybersecurity challenges. Internships with Microsoft and NASA provided him with hands-on experience that enriched his understanding of cybersecurity, cloud incident response, and the sophisticated techniques used in data visualization.
Transition to Graduate Studies: The Technology and Policy Program
After his undergraduate success, Janjusevic recognized the need for deeper knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in cybersecurity. The Technology and Policy Program (TPP) at MIT drew his attention for its unique blend of rigorous engineering principles and policy analysis. This combination is particularly crucial in a field as rapidly evolving as cybersecurity.
His current research, which revolves around securing maritime cyber-physical systems, exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach. Through collaboration with the MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems and the MIT Maritime Consortium, he’s tackling crucial challenges concerning maritime cybersecurity. Janjusevic’s research not only emphasizes technology but also incorporates necessary policy frameworks to create effective solutions.
Navigating Maritime Cybersecurity Challenges
Janjusevic’s thesis intertwines various disciplines—cybersecurity, AI, deep learning, control theory, and physics—to secure large legacy ships against hacking threats. The implications of compromised maritime networks extend beyond immediate operational failures; they pose significant risks to national security and economic stability.
A key focus of his work is developing mechanisms to counteract GPS spoofing—a tactic where malicious actors manipulate a vessel’s navigation systems. By integrating physics-based trajectory models with deep learning techniques, Janjusevic’s research aims to enhance threat detection capabilities. This layered approach allows for the differentiation between legitimate navigational maneuvers and spoofed signals, thereby safeguarding maritime operations.
According to Saurabh Amin, a professor in Civil Engineering, Janjusevic’s innovative approach to threat modeling is paving the way for advancements in attack detection strategies. His expertise is proving invaluable in fostering a comprehensive understanding of maritime vulnerabilities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Synergy Between Academia and Industry
Janjusevic’s involvement in industry further enriches his academic research. During a summer internship at Vectra AI, he studied the potential threats posed by emerging technologies, particularly focusing on AI and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This experience allowed him to gain practical insights that directly influenced his academic work, particularly regarding anomaly detection models in his research.
His findings on the security risks of agentic AI culminated in the publication of a preprint titled “Hiding in the AI Traffic: Abusing MCP for LLM-Powered Agentic Red Teaming.” This work underscores the importance of remaining vigilant as technology evolves and highlights Janjusevic’s proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Contributing to International Policy and Collaboration
Beyond his technical work, Janjusevic brings a global perspective to cybersecurity challenges. He engages in initiatives within the Maritime Consortium, collaborating with international partners from countries including Singapore and South Korea. This involvement underscores the importance of developing not only technological solutions but also the industry standards and policies needed to support them.
His insights resonate with Fotini Christia, director of IDSS, who emphasizes Janjusevic’s ability to integrate Navy training instincts into research efforts, making them more actionable at a policy level. In the fast-paced realm of AI cybersecurity, Janjusevic recognizes the critical need for robust policy work to counteract emerging threats.
Janjusevic is also actively organizing significant conferences, such as the Harvard European Conference and the Technology and National Security Conference. These events facilitate dialogues among policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, aiming to address pressing national security challenges collaboratively.
A Vision for the Future
With a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between the United States and Montenegro, Janjusevic is motivated to become a key influencer in the fields of cybersecurity and AI. His goal is to bridge these domains, ensuring that advancements in technology are met with appropriate policies and frameworks that promote security and maritime safety. As he strides forward in his academic and professional journey, Janjusevic embodies the spirit of innovation and international cooperation, paving the way for a safer digital future.
