Dr Hassan Asghar joins the Sydney Quantum Academy Experts network

The Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) is pleased to welcome Dr Hassan Asghar to the SQA Experts network.

Dr Asghar is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing at Macquarie University and Head of the Information Security and Privacy Research Group within the University’s Cyber Security Hub.

Cryptography has long helped protect sensitive information online, but the ways we share and use information are becoming increasingly complex, creating new opportunities for privacy breaches and misuse. Hassan's research focuses on developing cryptographic approaches that protect data while still allowing it to be securely shared, processed and analysed.

His work explores both fundamental questions about whether data can remain secure while being used for societal benefit, and practical ways to make this possible. He is particularly interested in what quantum computing could offer cybersecurity and data privacy, beyond the well-researched area of quantum key distribution.

Hassan's current research includes quantum differential privacy, exploring the possibilities and limitations of privacy-preserving data analysis in the quantum setting. He is also interested in verifiable computing, including quantum zero-knowledge proofs and applications of post-quantum zero-knowledge proofs. More broadly, he is exploring ways in which quantum computing could enhance emerging cryptographic techniques such as robust property-preserving hashing, functional encryption and unclonable cryptography.

One of the things that excites Hassan most about quantum computing is the possibility of storing and transmitting information in ways that are not possible with classical computing. At the same time, quantum systems introduce limitations that do not arise in the classical setting. This interplay between new possibilities and new limitations is what makes quantum technologies such an exciting area of research as we look for new ways to protect information.

Hassan completed his PhD in cryptography at Macquarie University, where he investigated secure alternatives to passwords. His thesis explored whether a person could mentally solve a puzzle in a way that could demonstrate they knew the answer without revealing enough information to compromise the password.

Since completing his PhD, Hassan has worked across a range of cybersecurity domains, including privacy-preserving open data and secure computation, and now the use of quantum computing to protect information.

As Director of the Information Security and Privacy Research Group, Hassan leads a team with expertise in spanning computer science and quantum physics, bringing these disciplines together to address emerging challenges at the intersection of quantum technologies, cybersecurity and privacy.

Interested in pursuing a PhD with Hassan as your supervisor? Explore his available research projects and review our guide to apply for an SQA PhD Scholarship.