Sridhana Murugan

Featured project | Spring 2025

Sridhana Murugan, an undergraduate student majoring in computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity, saw FURI as an opportunity to gain mentorship and research experience applicable to issues crucial to a secure online future. Murugan is investigating the security risks behind video game cheating under the supervision of Ozgur Ozmen, a Fulton Schools assistant professor of computer science and engineering.

What made you want to get involved in this program? Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I wanted to get involved in FURI because it provides a unique opportunity to conduct hands-on, independent research while receiving mentorship from faculty. As someone deeply interested in cybersecurity, I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on tackling real-world security challenges. The structured yet flexible environment of FURI allows me to explore a complex issue like game cheating from both a technical and human-centered security perspective, which aligns with my academic and career goals.

I chose this project because video game cheating is often dismissed as just a fairness issue, but it has serious cybersecurity implications. Many cheat programs require high-level access to a user’s system, creating potential vulnerabilities that go beyond gaming. Given my background in cybersecurity research, I was particularly interested in exploring whether these cheat programs are also being used to extract private data or distribute malware.

Existing research has primarily focused on detecting and preventing cheats, but few studies have examined their potential role in cybersecurity threats and underground markets. By investigating how cheat developers operate and monetize their programs, I hope to provide insights that could contribute to stronger anti-cheat mechanisms and broader cybersecurity protections. The increasing integration of gaming with personal and financial data makes this research timely and relevant to both the gaming industry and cybersecurity professionals.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

My engineering research project will contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment by addressing the cybersecurity risks associated with video game cheating. The elevated system permissions required by many cheat programs make them potential vectors for malware, data theft or system vulnerabilities.

By analyzing how cheat developers operate, distribute and monetize their software, this research can help identify potential cybersecurity threats hidden within the gaming industry. This could lead to the development of more effective security strategies — not just for gaming companies, but also for everyday users who may unknowingly expose themselves to risks.

As gaming continues to grow in popularity and financial significance, ensuring a secure environment is crucial. The findings from this project could influence both anti-cheat technology and broader cybersecurity practices, ultimately making digital spaces safer for millions of users worldwide.

How do you see this experience helping with your career and advanced degree goals?

This research experience directly supports my career and advanced degree goals by strengthening my technical skills, research abilities and understanding of cybersecurity threats. Through FURI, I’ve gained hands-on experience in analyzing software vulnerabilities, investigating malicious tactics and thinking critically about security risks — skills that are essential for a career in cybersecurity and software engineering.

Additionally, working on this project has reinforced my interest in pursuing advanced research in cybersecurity, whether in graduate school or industry roles. Understanding how real-world security exploits operate will be valuable in developing stronger defense mechanisms, and this experience has given me the confidence to tackle more complex security challenges in the future.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

The best advice I’ve received from my faculty mentor is to take things one step at a time and trust that it will all come together in the end. Research can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when tackling complex cybersecurity topics, but breaking it down into manageable steps has made the process much more effective.

This mindset has helped me stay focused and methodical in my approach, whether it’s analyzing cheat software, identifying security risks or drawing connections to broader cybersecurity threats. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always immediate, but with patience and persistence, the bigger picture will come together.

Why should other students get involved in this program?

Other students should get involved in FURI because it provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, work closely with faculty mentors and explore real-world engineering challenges. Unlike traditional coursework, FURI allows you to take ownership of a project, develop problem-solving skills and apply what you’ve learned in a meaningful way.

For students interested in cybersecurity, software engineering or any technical field, this program helps build critical thinking, technical expertise and research skills that are valuable for both industry and graduate school. It’s also a great way to challenge yourself, contribute to innovative solutions and be part of a community of like-minded researchers.