Aurora Vasconcelos

Aurora is a Full Stack Web Developer with a background in communication and multimedia from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD). She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Cybersecurity at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), with ongoing research focused on cybersecurity. Aurora's recent work includes a publication on social engineering in IEEE, and her master's thesis explores a proof of concept for risk assessment and compliance through a Zero Trust approach.

Lightning Talk at TNC25

Zero Trust for NRENs: Because Even Your Network Lies

In this presentation, a simple phrase sets the stage: networks are like bad roommates - they let the wrong people in and don’t notice until it’s too late. For many institutions, especially NRENs, that’s not far from reality. Openness and collaboration come at a cost: complexity, risk, and growing pressure to stay secure and compliant.

This talk explored how combining Zero Trust with AI can offer a smarter path forward. No heavy jargon, no overcomplicated frameworks - just a clear, practical perspective on protecting what matters most in a world where even your own network can’t always be trusted.

Aurora's participation in the Future Talent Programme 2025 was supported by FCCN.