Mikael Asplund

Senior Associate Professor

My research is focused on security and dependability of cyber-physical systems.

Presentation

My research is focused on security and dependability of cyber-physical systems. This includes formal reasoning about security and correctness properties, designing new protocols and algorithms, and evaluation using simulation and realistic testbeds. Relevant application areas include intelligent transportation systems, smart grids, and autonomous systems.

I teach in courses such as discrete structures, cybersecurity, concurrent programming and operating systems, and ethical hacking. I’m the coordinator for a two-year Master’s programme in Cybersecurity and a five-years Master’s programme in Information technology.

For updated information about research activities see www.asplund.eu

My background in brief

Short CV

Docent in Computer Science, LiU 2018
Assistant Professor, LiU, 2011-2015
Research Fellow, Trinity College Dublin, 2011-2012
Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in computer science, LiU, 2011
Licentiate degree in computer science, LiU, 2007
Graduate Student in computer science, LiU, 2005-2011
Master of computer science and engineering, LiU, 2005

Research Projects (selected)

Protocol security verification using dynamic key structures, 2023-2028, funded by ELLIIT, Principal investigator (PI)
DDoS detection in 5G/6G networks, 2023-2028, funded by ELLIIT, co-PI
Automating Security Assurance using Formal Methods, 2022-2027, funded by WASP, PI
Adaptive Software for the Heterogeneous Edge-Cloud Continuum (ASTECC), 2022-2027, funded by SSF, co-PI
Triple-A: Securing First Encounters, 2022-2026, funded by WASP, PI
Sustainable Energy with Adaptive Security (SEAS), 2021-2023, funded by Vinnova, PI

Responsibilities

Coordinator for Master’s programme in Cybersecurity
Chair for the planning group of Master of Science in Information Technology
Co-chair of the board of education for computer and media at LiU
Responsible for the Programming and Algorithms Master profile
Research coordinator for Ride the future (ridethefuture.se), 2020-2022
SACO union representative at the Computer Science Department at LiU 2017-2022

Publications

2025

Ahmad Usman, Mikael Asplund (2025) Update at Your Own Risk: Analysis and Recommendations for Update-Related Vulnerabilities 40th IFIP International Conference, SEC 2025, Maribor, Slovenia, May 21–23, 2025, Proceedings, p. 97-110 (Conference paper)

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Charilaos Skandylas, Mikael Asplund (2025) Automated penetration testing: Formalization and realization Computers & Security, Vol. 155, Article 104454 (Article in journal)

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Frans Öhrström, Joakim Oscarsson, Zeeshan Afzal, János Dani, Mikael Asplund (2025) From balance to breach: cyber threats to battery energy storage systems Energy Informatics, Vol. 8, Article 39 (Article in journal)

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Johannes Wilson, Mikael Asplund (2025) Analysing TLS Implementations Using Full-Message Symbolic Execution Secure IT Systems: 29th Nordic Conference, NordSec 2024 Karlstad, Sweden, November 6–7, 2024 Proceedings, p. 283-302 (Conference paper)

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2024

Ahmad Usman, Mikael Asplund (2024) Remote Attestation with Software Updates in Embedded Systems 2024 IEEE Conference on Communications and Network Security (CNS), Taipei, Taiwan (Conference paper)

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Research

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Adaptive Software for the Heterogenous Edge-Cloud-Continuum - ASTECC

ASTECC is a 5-year cooperative research project in software systems at the Department of Computer and Information Science. It is funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF).

Teaching

Cybersecurity, Master's Programme, 120 credits

Help defend society against cyberattacks and develop next-generation security solutions. This programme combines theoretical courses and practical exercises which will give you tools to address the digital security challenges of today and tomorrow.

Cybersecurity lab at LiU

The cybersecurity lab offers facilities that are tailored for teaching cybersecurity in undergraduate and professional training programs.

News

Cyber security and critical systems reliability

Our financial systems, electrical systems and transport systems are controlled by software. There are many examples of what the consequences could be if these systems are hacked. Mikael Asplund at the Department of Computer and Information Science speaks about cyber security and how artificial intelligence can be used to make systems more secure.

Mikael Asplund in the cybersecurity lab.

New cybersecurity lab at LiU

The new cybersecurity lab is a milestone in Linköping University´s investment in education in this field. The students should feel that "wow, it's possible to do something exciting here", said Vice-Rector Matts Karlsson at the inauguration on 7 May.

Woman and man with headsets and green military clothing in front of computer. More screens in the background.

A LiU master’s programme to fight cybercrime

Companies and society in general are increasingly targeted by cybercrime. Experts are needed to ensure protection. There are several good reasons for LiU to establish a master’s programme in cybersecurity, starting in the autumn of 2023.

Young women find careers in IT challenging and interesting

A new survey shows that four of ten young women are attracted by a career in IT, although negative ideas about the profession remain.

About the division

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Software and Systems (SAS)

The SAS division is part of the Department of Computer and Information Science. The division conducts research and education in software engineering and computer systems, covering both basic research and projects in cooperation with industry.