Formal verification for computer security: Lessons learned and future directions

Dawn Song

Abstract: Formal verification techniques have been fruitful for a broad spectrum of different security applications and domains. However, many important questions and considerations influence the success of applying formal verification techniques to security applications and domains. In this talk, I will share lessons learned from experience of over a decade in applying formal verification techniques to security. I will also discuss new exciting application domains such as blockchain and smart contracts for formal verification. I will pose important, open challenges and discuss future directions for verifying next-generation systems such as learning systems.