Deepthi Ratnayake

Dr. Deepthi Ratnayake is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Cyber Security and Networks) at the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning industry, defense, and academia, she specializes in cybersecurity, intrusion detection, and AI-driven security solutions. She leads the online MSc programmes and serves as the BCS Accreditation Liaison officer for on-campus MSc degrees.

Her research integrates intelligent techniques with cybersecurity, focusing on:

• Network/Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS/HIDS)
• Big Data Analytics for threat detection
• Cloud security and cryptography
• Cyber-Physical Systems (e.g., autonomous vehicles)
• AI applications in security education and policy

Recent publications highlight trends in AI-enhanced cloud security, network optimization for critical applications, women's safety in digital spaces, and post-pandemic data governance.

Awards & Honors:

• FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy)

Projects & Grants:

• CEISAA: Cyber Essentials Intelligent Self-Assessment Assistant (2023)
• Indo-UK Collaboration on Dark Patterns (2024–25)

She coordinates the BCS-ISSG Cyber Security Early Career Professionals webinar series and contributes as a columnist for BCS ITNow magazine. Her team collaborations include the Algorithms Research Group and Cyber Security Center (CSC) at Hertfordshire.