INESC Coimbra heads EU AI project SHIELD-EU to boost cyber‑attack response

The Institute of Engineering of Systems and Computers of Coimbra (INESC Coimbra) is leading the European research project SHIELD‑EU, which aims to develop tools that improve the detection and response to hybrid threats such as cyber‑attacks and disinformation campaigns. The project combines Internet‑of‑Things devices, edge‑AI processing, and cognitive‑behavioral models to analyse critical data locally, reducing latency, limiting exposure of sensitive information and keeping operations functional when communications fail.

Edge‑AI solutions will be tested in operational scenarios by the Portuguese Air Force, allowing the technology to be evaluated outside the laboratory and adapted to defence‑sector needs. SHIELD‑EU is funded by Portugal’s Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia under the “Defence + Science: Exploratory Projects 2025” call, and brings together researchers from INESC‑TEC and the University of Coimbra’s Faculty of Science and Technology.