New faculty member Dr. Hoang conducts research in online censorship

Dr. Nguyen Phong Hoang has recently been hired by the UBC Computer Science Department, and brings his expertise in researching online censorship.

|Dr. Hoang joined the UBC Computer Science department as an Assistant Professor on July 1, 2024. His research focuses on network security, online privacy, and network traffic monitoring. His journey has been international in scope.

Phong’s path to UBC has been anything but ordinary. He was born in Vietnam, and after graduating from high school, pursued his undergraduate studies in Business Administration at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan) and took a few IT-related courses on the side. Coming from an impoverished family for whom education had not been an option, the family knew how vital an education would be for their son. He had received an 80 per cent scholarship for his studies, but there was still a gap to fill. Together, the family worked extremely hard and managed to help fund Phong’s fees. After graduation, he pursued his Master’s at Kyoto University, and completed a PhD at Stony Brook University in New York. His postdoctoral fellowship was at the University of Chicago.

From business to cybersecurity: A passionate shift

It wasn’t until a personal experience during his third year of undergraduate studies that Phong found his true calling. A friend’s Facebook account was hacked and in trying to help her, he became fascinated with cybersecurity. “That experience sparked my interest in the field,” Phong said. “I realized there will always be people online who act in bad faith. Understanding how they operate became my passion.”

Phong’s journey into computer science from a non-traditional background serves as inspiration to his students. “A lot of people are surprised when they learn I didn’t start out in computer science. But I think it’s a testament to how important passion and motivation are in finding your path.”

As a result of his extensive education, he has been able to return the favour to his family members, sponsoring them to live in Canada.

“I think life has given me enough, so in turn, I try to give back to society.” ‘Giving back’ is the same philosophy Phong follows in his research.

Technology and society

Dr. Hoang is passionate about ensuring his research serves a real-world purpose. “The goal of my work is to create systems that can help people access a more secure and free internet,” he explained. His research aims to expose how governments use technology to control what citizens can and cannot see online, particularly in regions with restrictive policies on internet freedom.

His topics are not only technically challenging but have significant social implications. One of his current projects and proudest accomplishments involves designing a system called GFWeb to monitor and detect internet censorship in countries known for controlling online information, such as China. GFWeb has since been widely used by journalists, human rights activists, and even governments to understand the scope of information control in the country. “When it comes to internet censorship, it's not just about technology,” Phong said. “It's about how technology impacts the way people view the world.”

It is Phong’s diverse educational background and life experiences that have made him truly a global citizen, interacting with cultures and institutions across the world, and further fueling his passion for worldwide fairness in Internet freedom.

When asked what attracted him to take a position at UBC, Phong spoke highly of Vancouver’s multicultural environment and the university’s international community. “Vancouver has long been a place I wanted to settle down,” he said. “At UBC, you get the chance to meet and interact with people from all over the world, which is something I deeply value.”

A researcher with heart

Phong’s future research aims to improve Internet security on a global scale. “We are heading towards a society where everything happens on the Internet,” he said. “Yet, many people are unaware of the risks and vulnerabilities they face online.”

Phong is committed to using his work to make the Internet a safer and more equitable place. “The Internet is not equally accessible or secure for everyone,” he explained. “I want my research to change that and especially improve the lives of people who live in repressed regions of the world.”

In addition to his research, Phong is eager to educate the next generation of cybersecurity experts. He believes that young people can be a force for change to create a safer and more just online experience. “I hope to inspire students who are passionate about using their skills to help others, not just in terms of technological advancement, but also in terms of societal impact.”

He adds, “The true value of research is when it reaches people beyond the academic world, whether it's journalists, activists, or ordinary citizens.” For Phong, making the world a better place—one secure and censorship-free internet connection at a time—is what drives him. As he settles into his role at UBC, there is no doubt that his work will have a lasting impact, both within the university and far beyond.

In the department, you can find Phong either teaching his course in Network Security 538H, in the Systopia Lab, or with the Security and Privacy Group, interacting and collaborating with students and various groups. Phong is always looking for doctoral students who are enthusiastic about conducting research on online security with the goal to improve security within society.

Finding time outside of research

Outside of his academic pursuits, Phong is an avid gardener and enjoys spending time with his cherished companions: a pair of rescued bunnies. He has also embraced the beauty of Vancouver and British Columbia, frequently exploring the outdoors. Having spent years commuting between the U.S. and Canada, he’s happy to finally settle down in Vancouver with his partner, who is originally from Kamloops. For Phong, UBC and Vancouver are not just places to work—they are home.

Welcome to UBC Computer Science, Phong! Your dedication to making the Internet a safer and freer place is already inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

Read his paper “GFWeb: Measuring the Great Firewall's Web Censorship at Scale” (appeared at USENIX Security Conference 2024)