Spotlight On: Dr Leonie Maria Tanczer

What is your role and what does it involve?
I am Postdoctoral Research Associate for PETRAS’ Standards, Governance, and Policy Stream at University College London. As part of my role, I am investigating the diverse policy options available to govern and potentially regulate the emerging IoT environment.

How long have you been with PETRAS and what was your previous role?
Officially, since January 2017. However, I started attending PETRAS events while still finishing off my PhD at Queen’s University Belfast. So, I have been working with PETRAS since September 2016.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?
Definitely closest to my heart is a pilot study on the implications of the IoT for victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse (G-IoT). I am also very engaged in a research project with Lloyd’s of London. The latter develops IoT risks scenarios which help the insurance sector to better understand and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Should there be any remaining hours of the day left, then I am writing up the results of a study on the role of Computer and Product Security Incident Response Teams – both of which will play an important role in the future IoT environment.

What about the IoT attracted you to working in this area?
The convergence of ‘cyber’- and physical risks and the cross-sectoral nature of the risk landscape. Honestly, having studied hackers and hacktivists throughout my PhD, I really feel that we have to get IoT safety, security, and privacy right – otherwise we really are going to end up in a big mess.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Bad OPSEC [operations security] question! – That’s just a way to get my passwords.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?
I actually don’t know how well these people would get on with each other, but I’d invite members of L0pht, people involved in the Chaos Computer Club, the Cult of the Dead Cow, and Hackers on Planet Earth. I’d add a couple of activists such as Eva Galperin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, feminist role models such as Donna Haraway, and I’d sneakily put J. K. Rowling on the guest list too.

What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t work too hard. – Although, I should tell my present self the same thing…

What would surprise people to know about you?
It may or may not surprise people, but I do not own any IoT devices.

If you would like to be featured in a future edition please contact Sarah Hardy in the impact team at s.hardy.2@warwick.ac.uk