A University of Windsor professor has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 20 Women in Cyber Security.
Dr. Mitra Mirhassani is an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering.
She was honoured by IT World Canada for her innovative cyber security research.
Mirhassani was recognized by IT World Canada alongside the likes of the Canadian lead for IBM's Security Intelligence practice and those working for Information System Security within Canada's Department of National Defence.
"This area is buzzing with all of this phenomenal research and activity," says Mirhassani.
Mirhassani says her area of research is becoming more important as the move to autonomous driving gains ground.
"We need to make sure that everything we put in a car is safe, it's not going to take control of the car without our knowledge and does exactly what we need them to do," she says.
Mirhassani says her area of research is looking to protect future electric vehicles from cyber attacks.
"If there is an attack on one charging station it can create lots of devastating effects for the infrastructure, " says Mirhassani. "So, it's not just about the car, it's about the whole connected network."
Mirhassani was chosen out of more than 170 nominations for the honour.
- with files from AM800's Kristylee Varley