// Marwan Aldahmani — Researcher & Builder

// 01 — ABOUT

Who I Am

I'm a graduate student and early-career researcher working at the intersection of cybersecurity, embedded systems, and autonomous technology. My work centers on making the software systems that power our world — from connected vehicles to critical infrastructure — harder to compromise and easier to trust.

Before pivoting fully into research, I spent two years in IT Governance, Risk & Compliance, where I learned how organizations actually think about risk — and how wide the gap is between policy and real technical security. That experience sharpened my perspective: good security research has to live in the real world.

Off the clock, I'm wrenching on a Chevy Camaro ZL1 build, creating content about cars and traveling on TikTok, gaming, and exploring whatever new hobby catches my attention. I take the same obsessive energy I bring to research and apply it everywhere else.

Cybersecurity M.S.S.I Student GRC Background Content Creator Car Enthusiast

// 02 — EXPERIENCE

Background

Associate Researcher 2024 — Present

Conducting research on secure software update mechanisms for embedded and cyber-physical systems, with a focus on Uptane framework implementations and ECDSA-based authentication schemes. Investigating attack surfaces in UAV communication and firmware ecosystems, and contributing to open-source security tooling.

Uptane ECDSA UAV Security Embedded Systems

IT GRC Analyst 2022 — 2024

Led risk assessments and compliance initiatives across enterprise environments. Managed security control frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), coordinated audit readiness programs, and worked cross-functionally to translate technical risk into business language. Developed a firsthand understanding of how organizations identify, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities at scale.

Risk Assessment NIST CSF ISO 27001 Compliance Audit

B.S. — Information Security Graduated 2022

[UAE University]

Completed a B.S. in Information Security, building a strong foundation in security principles, networking, risk management, and applied cryptography. The program cemented an early passion for offensive and defensive security that would eventually lead from industry GRC work into full-time research.

// 03 — RESEARCH & INTERESTS

Technical Focus

My research sits at the edge of systems security — where cryptography meets constrained devices, and where a single compromised update can ground a fleet or disable a vehicle. Here's what I'm working on and thinking about.

⬡ Primary Focus

Secure Software Updates & Uptane

My primary research focus is designing a secure communication protocol for delivering software updates to fleet UAV systems. This means tackling real-world challenges: authenticated channels, integrity verification, and ensuring updates reach the right device even in contested or degraded environments — without compromising the fleet.

Uptane OTA Updates Supply Chain

⬡

UAV & Drone Security

Unmanned aerial systems are a rapidly expanding attack surface. My interest is in securing the full UAV stack — command-and-control links, firmware delivery, and inter-drone communication in swarm scenarios. The goal is resilient, authenticated systems that hold up in real operational conditions, not just lab environments.

UAV RF Security Firmware

⬡

Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing

Understanding how systems break is fundamental to building systems that don't. I'm actively developing skills in penetration testing and ethical hacking — network enumeration, vulnerability assessment, exploitation techniques, and responsible disclosure. Security research and offensive skills go hand in hand.

Pentesting Enumeration Vuln Assessment

⬡

Emerging Tech & Future Vectors

The attack surface of tomorrow is being built today. I follow developments in AI-assisted exploitation, quantum-resistant cryptography, autonomous systems policy, and the security implications of 5G/6G connectivity for embedded fleets.

Secure Comms Post-Quantum AI Security 5G/6G

⬡ Upcoming

V2X & Connected Vehicle Security

Vehicle-to-Everything communication is one of the most security-critical frontiers in emerging tech. I'm preparing to enter lab research on V2X — exploring how vehicles authenticate with infrastructure, other vehicles, and networks, and where those trust models break down under adversarial conditions.

V2X Connected Vehicles Protocol Security

Tools & Stack

Python

C / C++

Linux

Wireshark

Nmap

Metasploit

Burp Suite

OpenSSL

Git

Docker

nRF Connect

LaTeX

ISO 27001

NIST Frameworks

Bash / Zsh

VirtualBox / VMware

// 04 — BUILDS

The Builds

Cars are where I apply the same obsessive, systematic energy I bring to research. Every build has a concept, a codename, and a story. Here are mine.

CODENAME: SHADOW

2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

[ ACTIVE BUILD ]

[ SHADOW // 2020 ZL1 ]

PLATFORM 2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

ENGINE 6.2L Supercharged LT4

STOCK POWER 650 HP / 650 LB-FT

WRAP Rapid Blue · Satin Black Hood & Roof

INSPIRATION Rimuru Tempest — TenSura

AERO APR GTC-300 Wing · 1LE Aero Kit

BUILD STAGE [ IN PROGRESS ]

Performance Mods

Full Bolt-Ons
Pulley Upgrade
Methanol Injection
Custom Tune
APR GTC-300 Wing
1LE Aero Kit
Rapid Blue Wrap · Satin Black Hood & Roof · Carbon Fiber Accents
Blower Porting
Throttle Body Upgrade
Camshaft Upgrade
18" Rears with Slicks

Complete Planned

[ FRONT // 1LE KIT ]

[ SIDE PROFILE ]

[ REAR // APR WING ]

Follow the build on TikTok → @ZL1ARES

CODENAME: MUSHIN

2016 Nissan Patrol Y61 — Overlander

[ PROJECT CLOSED ]

Mushin — 武神, god of war in Japanese. The vision was a gold and black Patrol reborn in white and black, built to go anywhere on earth. Lifted, armored, and equipped for cross-country expeditions and overland camping. The project reached 70% completion before circumstances forced a stop — sold, but not forgotten. A build this thorough leaves a mark. The next overlander will carry the lessons forward.

[ MUSHIN // Y61 PATROL OVERLANDER ]

PLATFORM 2016 Nissan Patrol Y61

CONCEPT Expedition Overlander

COMPLETION ~70% at Close

PLANNED COLOR White & Black

STATUS Sold — Project Closed

What Was Built

Profender 2.0 Shocks & H&R Springs
H&R Spacers · Lenzo Venom Wheels
AVM Free Wheeling Hub
ToughDog Panhard Rods & Steering Stabilizer
Heavy Duty Rotors, Ceramic Pads & Bushings
American Racing Headers & AFE Air Intake
Precision Double Plate Clutch
Custom Steel Front Bumper (RKC)
Stedi Pro Spotlights & BajaDesigns Squadron Pro Fogs
12-Switch AUX Control Board
Water Tank & Side Lamps

Completed before close

[ FRONT ]

[ REAR ]

[ BAY ]

WHAT'S NEXT

TBD — Chapter Three

The next build is unwritten. A new overlander to carry Mushin's legacy, or a classic — American muscle or Japanese icon — stripped back and rebuilt right. The concept exists. The timing doesn't yet. Stay tuned.

Overlander? Classic American? JDM Classic? TBD

// 05 — OUTSIDE THE LAB

Life Beyond Research

I'm a firm believer that the best researchers are well-rounded humans. Here's what keeps me grounded, curious, and occasionally sleep-deprived.

🎮

Gaming

Competitive and narrative-driven games both. Whether it's strategy, FPS, or an open world I can lose a weekend in — gaming is where I unwind and, honestly, sharpen my problem-solving instincts.

🎌

Anime & Film

Deep into anime, movies, and prestige TV. I appreciate strong storytelling and world-building — the same craft that goes into a great sci-fi series applies to writing compelling research narratives.

🌍

Travel & Road Trips

There's no better way to reset than putting miles on the car. Road trips are a ritual — good music, open highway, and a loose plan. International travel is always on the list too.

🏃

Running & Fitness

Running clears my head better than anything. I train consistently and treat workouts like I treat deadlines: non-negotiable. Physical discipline translates directly to mental discipline.

📱

Content Creation

I create TikTok content around cars and gaming. Building an audience around things I genuinely love has been a lesson in communication and consistency — skills that cross over into everything.

🔧

Always Learning

I pick up new hobbies constantly and commit to them fully before moving on — or adding them to the permanent rotation. Curiosity is the trait I'm most proud of, and the one I work hardest to protect.

// 06 — CONNECT

Let's Talk

Whether you're a researcher, a recruiter, a car person, or just someone who found this page — I'm always open to a good conversation. Reach out through any of the channels below.

MARWAN
ALDAHMANI

Who I Am

Background