Smart Castle Labs pushes for advance in computer safety for kids
There are lots of software programs designed to keep children away from nasty internet sites, but a Fredericton startup thinks it can take things one step further and do it better.
Smart Castle Labs was formed by a team of computer students at the University of New Brunswick who specialize in computer security and are working on software that can detect computer bullying and luring.
The working title for their product is Drawbridge — the first thing you pull up when your caste is in danger.
"We want to combine advanced techniques in computer science," said Elaheh Biglar Beigi, a masters student.
"We are offering a unique universal, central device. Every internet-based device can connect through that box and parents don't need to buy different licence for different software."
Hugo Gonzales says worry for his children was part of what led to Smart Castle Labs, which is one of the 2015 finalists in the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation's Breakthru awards.
Smart Castle Labs wants to use deeper analysis of the packets of information accessed by children's computers and develop algorithms to evaluate more complex problems.
"We are sending email when something serious is happening and needs a parent intervention like bullying or luring or stuff, but for blocking, we just block those urls and kids can't access those URLs," said Beigi.
Post-doctoral student Gerard Draper says the team's combined intellect comes with another advantage.
"The good thing is that we come from different countries. So, everyone has different opinions, and I think this helps us be the better.
Members of the team are from Canada, Iran, Spain and Mexico.
The team admits its product is in the early stages of development.
"At this point we are looking for the developing more and more protection for different layers, for different ages," said Hugo Gonzales, a third year Ph.d student in computer science.
The winner of the Breakthru competition will be announced on March 19.
