SPOT Lab

The SPOT (Security, Privacy, and Online Trust) Lab is an interdisciplinary research group directed by Collins Munyendo launching in the Fall of 2027 at the National University of Singapore. We work on digital security, privacy, and safety, primarily through a human-centered approach. Using diverse methods, we spot security, privacy, and safety challenges in existing and emerging technologies, then design and rigorously evaluate effective solutions. Some current directions we are exploring include:

• User Authentication: Authentication systems (including password-based login, passkeys, and password managers) pose significant usability challenges, particularly for users such as low-vision users. We aim to make these systems both secure and accessible for diverse user groups.
• Underserved Users: Most security and privacy research has focused on specific populations, particularly Western users, limiting generalizability of solutions. We are interested in addressing the needs of various underserved populations around the world, for instance majority world users.
• Organizational Security: Organizations, and especially small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs), are often resource-contrained and may not prioritize security. We are interested in understanding the needs of SMEs and designing solutions that address those needs.

We are always looking for talented students to join our lab. See the join us page for more details.

PS: Our logo (handcrafted by the amazing Adryana Hutchinson) is a Dalmatian with a spotlight. Members of our lab are Dalmatians: curious, energetic, and always exploring new security and privacy frontiers.