Beyond the Prank: The Hidden Expertise of TSS Scambaiters
Proceedings of the 2026 ACM SIGSAC Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS '26)
About
I am a PhD student in Computer Science at Louisiana State University, advised by Dr. Phani Vadrevu. My research focuses on web security, privacy threats, and social engineering attacks. I am particularly interested in how attackers adapt to defenses, and in designing security mechanisms that are both effective and usable.
My research interests span applied security and online abuse mitigation. I am interested in studying the intersection of technical and human factors in security, including attacker behavior, phishing, and fraud detection.
Before starting my PhD, I received my B.S. in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans and worked as a software engineer at Punctual Abstract Co. Inc., where I developed and optimized production systems used daily by the company and its clients.
News
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My dissertation research description was accepted to the ACM CCS '26 Doctoral Symposium.
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Our paper "Beyond the Prank: The Hidden Expertise of TSS Scambaiters" was accepted to CCS '26.
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Presented at USENIX Security '25 in Seattle, WA.
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Awarded USENIX Security '25 Travel Grant.
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Our paper "Doubly Dangerous: Evading Phishing Reporting Systems by Leveraging Email Tracking Techniques" was accepted to USENIX Security '25.
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Awarded a vulnerability reward from Google for responsible disclosure.
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Started PhD in Computer Science at Louisiana State University.
Publications
List of peer-reviewed publications below. (*) indicates co-first authorship.
Doubly Dangerous: Evading Phishing Reporting Systems by Leveraging Email Tracking Techniques
34th USENIX Security Symposium (USENIX Security '25)
Acceptance Rate: 407 / 2385 (17.1%)
Service
Artifact Evaluation Committee
35th USENIX Security Symposium (USENIX Security '26)
Experience
PhD Student
Computer Science, Louisiana State University
Conducting research in web security, privacy, and social engineering attacks. Teaching assistant for CSC 1350 (Lab), CSC 3304 (Intro to Systems), and CSC 4700/7700 (Intro to Web Security).
Software Engineer
Punctual Abstract Co. Inc., Harvey, LA
Developed and optimized production systems, automated report generation, integrated new APIs, and upgraded email connectivity systems.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Worked on early prototypes of an anti-phishing evaluation system, fingerprinting web scanning engines and analyzing security bot traffic. Presented at InnovateUNO 2019. Tolmas Scholars 2019, 2020.