CYBERSECURITY
The Cybersecurity and IT Architectures research line at ITCL is focused on developing secure, scalable solutions tailored to the most demanding digital and industrial environments. This line works closely with companies to design and implement resilient technological infrastructures capable of handling large volumes of data while ensuring the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of that information.
Our work centers on the design and implementation of secure, distributed architectures, including on-premise, cloud, edge, and fog computing infrastructures. These solutions are built following principles of Security by Design and Defense in Depth, incorporating proactive measures against cyber threats.
We develop and integrate advanced mechanisms for authentication, encryption, continuous monitoring, and intrusion detection, applied to both corporate systems and industrial or critical infrastructures. We also focus on the application of cybersecurity standards and best practices such as ISO 27001, NIST, and compliance with specific sectoral regulations.
Additionally, we design and validate secure architectures for connected environments such as Smart Cities, Smart Energy systems, and Factories of the Future (FoF), where distributed systems must ensure the protection of devices, communications, and sensitive data.
Our experience in R&D projects spans the entire country, collaborating with companies that require robust and cybersecure technological environments as the foundation for their digital transformation and evolution towards connected, intelligent industrial models.
CYBERSECURITY CAPABILITIES
GOVERNANCE, RISK, AND COMPLIANCE
- Threat identification and risk assessment related to information security that could impact assets and business continuity.
- Definition of policies and regulations to implement an effective cybersecurity strategy that protects information and ensures regulatory compliance.
- Awareness and training to promote a cybersecurity culture among employees and encourage good practices and skills to identify risks.
- Alignment with standards and frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, etc.).
SECURE ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEM DESIGN
- Design of secure network architectures based on principles like Zero Trust, least privilege, and defense in depth.
- Secure integration of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) environments.
- Development of secure and robust systems applying security-by-design from the outset.
- Analysis of requirements and characteristics of each application individually, using secure software development practices.
DATA SECURITY
- Implementation of measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s critical data.
- Integration of post-quantum cryptography algorithms into systems, including low-performance devices (microcontrollers) or FPGAs, to ensure resistance against quantum attacks.
- Development of blockchain-based solutions to ensure data integrity and traceability.
- Application in various environments: healthcare, industrial, automotive, etc.
CYBERSECURITY LABORATORY
- Simulation of an IT/OT environment through a hybrid (physical and virtual) lab to carry out attacks in a controlled and isolated setting on any part of the topology.
- Evaluation of various architectures, configurations, and security tools to test their effectiveness and compare different security approaches.
- Analysis of vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, response protocols, etc., across diverse scenarios to ensure the security of industrial environments or critical infrastructures.
- Generation of datasets to train AI models, using data from network traffic, malware, event logs, etc
THREAT MONITORING AND DETECTION
- Application of artificial intelligence techniques to detect anomalies in communications and processes.
- Deployment of monitoring systems with real-time detection capabilities and alert visualization on dashboards.
- Use of honeypots to research real-world threats and attack techniques with the aim of developing more effective defense measures.
OUR CYBERSECURITY TEAM
This line is driven by highly qualified senior and junior researchers committed to continuous innovation and development. Our team includes computer scientists, mathematicians, data analysts, and more.
Ángel López Campo
Head of Cybersecurity
Computer Engineer with extensive experience in participating in and managing R&D projects, especially in the fields of cybersecurity, embedded devices, and secure software development.
His main research areas focus on developing cybersecurity solutions for industrial environments and critical infrastructures, particularly related to honeypots, network monitoring systems, and anomaly detection. He is also specialized in IoT system design and the study of their vulnerabilities and protection measures, such as integrating post-quantum cryptography. He holds several software registrations and a patent.
As the head of Cybersecurity solutions at ITCL, he coordinates a multidisciplinary team to carry out projects and research that protect and add value to companies.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
PRISMA: Automation of Quality Control and Food Safety in the Meat Industry with Hyperspectral Technology
The PRISMA project aims to investigate the use of hyperspectral imaging technology (HSI) to improve quality control and food safety in the meat industry.
Duration:
January 2025 – December 2027
FRUCTHOR-AI Project Launches to Promote Autonomous Robotics Solutions for the Fruit and Vegetable Sector
This international project promotes autonomous robotics solutions to improve the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in Spain, France, and Portugal. The town of Arganda del Rey (Madrid) hosted this July the kick-off meeting of the FRUCTHOR-AI project,...
European AI4CI Master Artificial Intelligence for Connected Industries
The AI4CI project aims to support European educational institutions in creating a program focused on the application of Artificial Intelligence to Connected Industries.
The iMERMAID Project Enters Its Final Phase with a Key Meeting in Serbia
Partners from 14 countries coordinate efforts to develop technologies that mitigate water pollution across Europe. The consortium of the European iMERMAID project held its fifth meeting at the BioSense Institute headquarters in Novi Sad, Serbia, marking an...
AI4SwEng – AI Engineering Suite to support Agile Efficient Software Engineering
AI4SWEng boosts agile software development through AI, delivering tools for code generation, automated testing, security, and regulatory compliance.
ICONICA: Research in Safe, Intelligent, Connected and Autonomous Driving
The project investigates solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles, focusing on V2I and V2V information exchange using 5G communication networks, which offer high speed and ultra-low latency.
Duration: October 2024 - December 2025




